Home Affairs Minister Tito Emphasises Three Guidelines for Strengthening Perpukadesi
Home Affairs Minister (Mendagri) Muhammad Tito Karnavian has emphasised the importance of maintaining the direction and integrity of the Perkumpulan Purnabakti Kepala Daerah Seluruh Indonesia (Perpukadesi) organisation.
This assertion was delivered by Tito at the declaration and inauguration event for the Perpukadesi Board for the 2026-2031 period and the National Sarasehan at the National Library (Perpusnas) Auditorium in Jakarta on Monday (4/5).
On this occasion, Tito conveyed three main guidelines for the Perpukadesi board. First, the Home Affairs Minister stressed that Perpukadesi should not engage in practical politics.
This value, Tito said, is also reflected in Perpukadesi’s declaration or statement of position, which affirms a commitment to focusing on public issues and national policies, while maintaining equal distance from all political forces and avoiding practical political activities.
“By maintaining a neutral position and not engaging in practical politics, [Perpukadesi] will be respected,” he stated.
Second, Tito emphasised that it should not intervene in the authority of the ongoing government, either at the central or regional level, especially if done in a way that seems patronising.
Perpukadesi, Tito continued, can still provide constructive criticism or suggestions, and the government is open to that as long as it is conveyed in a constructive manner.
“If there is a need for criticism, everyone will be open to it; both central and regional governments will be open to criticism. As long as the criticism is constructive, it will certainly be respected,” he said.
Thirdly, Tito also reminded that Perpukadesi should not be infiltrated by personal interests, including the use of the organisation’s name for specific projects.
According to Tito, this is seen as potentially disrupting the organisation’s vision and mission. He likened it to the vision and mission withering before it can develop.
“Therefore, I respectfully request, as a junior and in my capacity as Home Affairs Minister, that this organisation needs to uphold its dignity and remind each other,” he said.
On this occasion, Tito stated that Perpukadesi can play a role in helping to address various issues in the regions. These issues include those related to direct regional elections, the Law on Financial Relations between the Central Government and Regional Governments (HKPD), and encouraging breakthroughs in increasing Original Regional Income (PAD).
According to him, Perpukadesi members, who are retired regional heads, possess experience and field understanding that serve as valuable assets for the organisation.
“The good intentions of Perpukadesi in forming this association, filled with people who are truly experienced and have high flight hours, will add value to this organisation,” he emphasised.
For information, the event was also attended by Perpukadesi General Chairman Bibit Waluyo, Perpukadesi Advisory Board Chairman Sutiyoso, Perpukadesi Supervisory Board Chairman Irianto Lambrie, and the elected Perpukadesi board members.