Home Affairs Minister Instructs Regional Heads and Their Deputies to Stand By in Their Jurisdictions One Week Before and One Week After Eid al-Fitr

Jakarta, VIVA – Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Muhammad Tito Karnavian instructed all regional heads and deputy regional heads to remain and be on standby in their respective regions for the period from one week before to one week after Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. This step was taken to ensure the smooth running of regional government during the Lebaran holiday. The instruction was conveyed through Circular Letter (SE) of the Minister of Home Affairs No. 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning the Postponement of Travel Abroad during the Lebaran holiday 1447 Hijriah. The SE is addressed to all governors as well as regents and mayors. In the SE, regional heads and deputy regional heads are asked to postpone overseas travel from 14 to 28 March 2026. ‘Except for activities that are highly essential and whose implementation is an instruction of the President or for travel for medical treatment,’ he explained in a statement in Jakarta, Sunday, 8 March 2026. The Minister explained that the policy was taken to ensure local governments stay focused on implementing a number of strategic agendas ahead of and during the Lebaran holiday. Some strategic steps requested of regional heads include: first, anticipating potential security and safety risks during the Lebaran holiday and strengthening coordination with the jajarannya Forkopimda (Forum Koordinasi Pimpinan Daerah). Second, increasing readiness to support the smooth flow of mudik (homecoming) Lebaran. Third, monitoring and controlling regional inflation. Fourth, ensuring the readiness of Lebaran Idulfitri 1447 Hijriah celebrations. The Minister emphasised that the policy aims to ensure regional heads stay in their respective areas so they can respond quickly to various community needs during the Lebaran moment. ‘Regarding the recommendations for Overseas Travel on Official Duty (PDLN) or permission to travel abroad for important reasons that have been issued for the departure date in question, cancellation or postponement/re-scheduling of the agenda should be carried out,’ he explained. The circular letter was also copied to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, the Minister for State Secretariat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, and the Cabinet Secretary. (ILN)