Interior Minister Prohibits Regional Heads from Travelling Abroad During Eid al-Fitr Holiday
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has prohibited regional heads from travelling abroad during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period.
Tito has instructed all regional heads and their deputies to remain stationed and on standby in their respective regions for one week before and one week after Eid al-Fitr on 1447 Hijriah.
The instruction was issued to ensure the smooth operation of regional government during the 2026 Eid holiday period.
The directive was communicated through Interior Ministry Circular Letter Number 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning the postponement of foreign travel during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah holiday.
The circular was addressed to all provincial governors, regents, and mayors. In it, regional heads and deputy regional heads are requested to postpone foreign travel from 14 to 28 March 2026.
“Except for activities that are essential in nature, the implementation of which is a Presidential directive or for medical treatment purposes,” said Tito in a statement on Sunday (8 March 2026).
Tito explained that this policy was adopted to ensure regional governments remain focused on carrying out several strategic agendas in preparation for and during the Eid holiday period.
Several strategic measures requested of regional heads include anticipating potential increases in security and safety risks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, and strengthening coordination with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
Additionally, Tito continued, there should be increased preparedness to support the smooth flow of Eid homecoming traffic.
Furthermore, there should be monitoring and control of regional inflation, and ensuring readiness for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.
“Regarding recommendations for official foreign travel (PDLN) or permission to travel abroad for important reasons that have been issued for the aforementioned departure dates, cancellation or postponement/rescheduling of planned activities should be carried out,” Tito added.