Home Affairs Minister urges regional leaders to respond to residents' social dynamics

West Lombok, NTB (ANTARA) – The central government has asked all regional heads to be responsive to the social dynamics taking place within their communities. This was stated by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, who conveyed a message from Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago after a Coordinating Meeting of the Regional Leadership Communication Forums (Forkopimda) with four governors and regents/mayors in the Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and North Maluku regions at the Senggigi tourism area, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Tuesday.

Tito said that in line with the instruction from Menkopolkam, each region is asked to strengthen cohesion among Forkopimda, both for routine matters and the social dynamics unfolding in society.

“We also stressed the importance of the legal basis for Forkopimda, with the regional heads as chairs of Forkopimda; the laws and governing regulations are in place. This includes forming a social handling team, in accordance with the mandates of the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) and Government Regulation (PP),” he said.

In addition, Tito urged regional heads to strengthen the Forum for Religious Harmony. This is to prevent and address potential social conflicts and vulnerabilities that may arise around religious matters.

“Regions are asked to strengthen regulations, form social mitigation teams, and enhance the harmony forum as a preventive step,” he said.

Furthermore, the minister said that during the meeting there was also information regarding the Bantuan Stimulan Perumahan Swadaya (BSPS) housing stimulus assistance programme by the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PKP) Maruarar Sirait.

“So, the essence of the meeting is that we are conducting regional coordination meetings, this one specifically for Maluku, North Maluku, NTT, and NTB. After this, it will be Sulawesi region-wide, and then Papua,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, along with the regents and mayors of the four regions.