Facing Global Challenges, Deputy Interior Minister Emphasises the Importance of Regional Collaboration

Challenges ranging from energy crises and climate change to global geopolitical uncertainties were addressed by the Deputy Interior Minister at the Gala Dinner for the Night of Familiarity with Main Regional Partners (MPU) in Semarang, Central Java, on Monday (11/5). “Inter-regional cooperation is no longer merely an administrative choice but has become a national strategic necessity,” he stated in a written remark on Tuesday (12/5/2026). Wiyagus also spotlighted the crucial role of the ten MPU member provinces, which are deemed to possess strong fiscal capacity and significant contributions to the national economy. He noted that the Java island region currently contributes more than 57 percent to national economic growth, thus the potential of each region needs to complement one another through their respective comparative advantages. To strengthen national resilience, he encouraged enhancing inter-regional connectivity, both in the logistics, trade, energy, and government digitalisation sectors. He hopes that regions with food surpluses can assist those in need. On the other hand, regions with high Regional Original Revenue (PAD) are urged to become drivers of regional development. “Regions with food surpluses must be able to support those in need. Then, regions with strong fiscal capacity need to become drivers of regional development,” he explained. Wiyagus also hopes that the MPU forum can give birth to strategic and implementable steps to strengthen synergy between the central government and regions in maintaining national economic stability. “I also encourage the MPU to become a capital for adaptive and innovative regional inter-regional cooperation that can produce concrete solutions to various cross-regional problems, including inflation control, food security, energy strengthening, disaster management, as well as security and order stability,” he concluded.