Golkar: Proposal to Increase Regional Heads' Salaries is Justified by Heavy Workload
Ahmad Irawan, a member of the Golkar Party faction in Commission II of the DPR, believes that the proposal by the Association of Regency Governments throughout Indonesia (Apkasi) to adjust the salaries of regional heads is reasonable. However, he reminded that such an increase in income must be followed by an improvement in regional government performance.
According to Irawan, the workload of regional heads is currently increasing because a large portion of government affairs is managed at the regional level. Furthermore, various priority programmes from the central government depend on implementation within the regions.
“The proposal for an increase is very well-founded. The workload of regional heads is very significant, making it important to provide budgetary support, particularly regarding the income and incentives they receive,” Irawan told reporters on Friday (31/07/2026).
He explained that the majority of government affairs lie in the hands of regional governments. Consequently, regional heads play a vital role in ensuring that public services and national programmes run effectively.
“The burden of implementing most government affairs rests with the regional governments. This includes the implementation of various national programmes, which also takes place in the regions,” he said.
Nevertheless, Ahmad emphasised that salary adjustments cannot be decoupled from the improvement of regional government performance quality. In his view, the public deserves to see better services and developmental achievements if the income of regional heads is increased.
“However, there are certainly caveats. If the people and the state approve this increase, then regional government performance must also improve. This is so the public continues to support the adjustment of income,” he asserted.
He noted that improved performance is a consequence that must be met if the proposal for salary adjustments is realised. Thus, the policy would not only increase the welfare of regional heads but also lead to better public services and the execution of government programmes in the regions.
Previously, the Association of Regency Governments throughout Indonesia (Apkasi) proposed an adjustment to the salaries or financial rights of regional heads and deputy regional heads. Apkasi considers that the regulations governing the financial rights of regional heads are no longer in line with the increasing workload and responsibilities.
This was stated by the General Chairman of Apkasi, Bursah Zarnubi, during a meeting of Commission II of the DPR with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Apkasi officials, and the Association of City Governments throughout Indonesia (Apeksi) at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (30/07/2026). Apkasi proposed that the government revise several regulations governing the financial rights of regional heads.
“We must convey that the regulations regarding the financial rights of regional heads are no longer in line with developments, and with the increasing authority, burden, and complexity of the responsibilities of regional heads and deputy regional heads,” said Bursah.
He also proposed the revision of Government Regulation (PP) Number 69 of 2010 and PP Number 109 of 2000. According to him, there has been no adjustment to the financial rights of regional heads for 26 years.