Haji Toha: From Security Guard to Regent of Musi Banyuasin
Haji Toha Tohet’s journey to the seat of Regent of Musi Banyuasin Regency (Muba), South Sumatra Province, was not an instant one. Before becoming a regional head, this village boy had to walk around an hour and a half to reach school in his childhood.
The long distance meant many children his age at that time did not continue their education. His family background was inseparable from his life, as his father was the village head of Sungai Angit, serving from the kerio era until becoming village head from 1958 to 1993.
That environment shaped Toha’s life experiences from an early age.
Thanks to his spirit and persistence, he persevered in getting to school so that his struggle to obtain an education paid off. Indeed, Toha succeeded in continuing to higher education and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree.
It did not stop there. His career and spirit continued into the world of work. In 2000, Toha worked as a security guard at a private company operating in the oil sector, TAC PT Babat Kukui Energi.
Politics
His entry into politics did not come solely from personal ambition. In the 2024 regional election, Toha ran after receiving encouragement from the community together with Abdul Rohman. Having only a 7% survey rating ahead of the election did not make him despair about competing.
Toha continued to work hard and remained optimistic until he ultimately secured a significant 62% of the vote in the KPUD recapitulation results and finally led Muba as Regent and Deputy Regent for the 2025-2030 period.
In recognition of his success and the community’s support, on 20 February 2025, at the State Palace in Jakarta, President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto inaugurated M. Toha Tohet and Abdul Rohman as Regent and Deputy Regent of Muba Regency, South Sumatra.
After being inaugurated, Toha and his deputy invited all elements of government, including the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), to work together to realise the region’s vision and mission.
“I ask the heads of agencies and DPRD members to be united, to support one another and to work for the people. My Deputy Regent and I have a great moral responsibility to bring Muba in a better direction,” said Toha in a written statement on Thursday (27/8/2026).
Indeed, in the first year of his leadership, Toha has delivered on campaign promises. Among them, he launched the Keluarga Maju Programme (PKM), aimed at strengthening family economies and improving the quality of life in Bumi Serasan Sekate.
PKM is designed as a sustainable empowerment assistance programme based on heads of households. With a spirit of togetherness and strong commitment, Muba is now entering a new chapter towards faster and more equitable progress for all its people.
“Of course, I hope that the PKM programme serves as a manifestation of my commitment to improving the welfare of the people of Musi Banyuasin. Going forward, we will continue to invite the community to prosper through the programmes we run,” Toha stressed.
Toha’s journey from security guard is an inspiration about life: trust, discipline, vigilance, working while others rest, and respecting everyone are the philosophies of life for reaching the top.