Home Affairs Minister Urges Sulawesi Local Governments to Enhance Synergy for Stability and Equity
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has urged all regional leaders across Sulawesi to strengthen synergy with the Regional Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). This move is considered strategic to maintain political, security, and social stability in support of economic equity.
The message was delivered during a joint gathering with the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, the Home Affairs Minister, and the Minister of Housing and Settlement in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Saturday (30 May). He stressed that unity among regional leadership is crucial for successful development.
“Almost all issues can be resolved, whether security matters or others, including presidential and central government programmes or local leaders’ initiatives can be effectively executed if there is unity,” he stated in a written release on Saturday (30 May).
Tito noted that Sulawesi plays a critical role as a connector between western and eastern Indonesia, bolstered by abundant natural resources. Therefore, stability on the island is vital for national economic growth.
He emphasised that development programmes and public welfare improvements are impossible without a conducive environment. Regional security is now a shared responsibility between the central government, local authorities, and Forkopimda.
“Security must be nurtured. Health doesn’t come suddenly, security doesn’t come suddenly; how expensive it is to be healthy after falling ill, how costly it is to be safe after losing safety,” he stressed.
Past social conflicts in parts of Sulawesi must serve as valuable lessons for all parties. Tito recommended informal communication channels and regular meetings to strengthen relationships among Forkopimda members.
Regional leaders were also instructed to maximise the role of the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) in maintaining community harmony. He noted that FKUB has proven effective in mitigating religiously motivated tensions before they escalate.
Local government funding is crucial for FKUB to perform its communication functions optimally. This step is vital to ensure early detection operates at the grassroots level.
Local governments were also asked to reactivate Social Conflict Handling Teams in their areas. These bodies monitor early signs of social tension before they escalate into larger security threats.
“Riots never happen instantaneously but through a process. That process must be halted and prevented from escalating,” Tito concluded.
The strategic event was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago and Statistics Indonesia Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti. Six governors, along with regents and mayors across Sulawesi, were present to align development policies.