Home Affairs Minister Urges Sulawesi Leaders to Strengthen Coordination for Economic Stability and Equity

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian urged regional leaders across Sulawesi to strengthen coordination with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). This is crucial for maintaining political, security, and social stability, which form the foundation for development and economic growth.

The remarks were made by the Home Affairs Minister during a cordial meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs and the Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

“Virtually all issues can be resolved, including security concerns and others, as well as presidential, central government, and regional initiatives, provided there is unity,” he said.

He noted that Sulawesi holds a strategic position as a connector between western and eastern Indonesia and is endowed with abundant natural resources. Therefore, security and political stability in the region must be maintained.

He stressed that development cannot proceed without a secure and conducive environment. Therefore, maintaining security is not solely the responsibility of the central government but also falls to regional authorities and all Forkopimda components.

“Security must be nurtured. Health does not come suddenly, nor does security. The cost of health after illness and safety after insecurity is immense,” he stressed.

He recalled past social conflicts in several Sulawesi regions as a valuable lesson on the high cost of security. Therefore, the Home Affairs Minister urged Forkopimda components to strengthen relationships and communication through regular meetings and informal activities to enhance cooperation.

Additionally, the Home Affairs Minister called on regional leaders to activate the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB). Based on conflict resolution experiences, FKUB has proven vital in maintaining harmony and preventing religiously motivated conflicts from escalating into broader social unrest.

He noted that FKUB’s success depends heavily on regional leaders’ support, particularly adequate budget allocation. This is crucial for the forum to effectively communicate with respective religious communities.