Interior Minister: Regional Leaders to Remain on Standby in Their Territories During Eid Holiday
The Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has instructed all regional heads and deputy regional heads to remain stationed and on standby in their respective territories during the period from one week before to one week after Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.
The instruction was issued to ensure the smooth operation of regional government administration during the Eid holiday period.
The instruction was conveyed through Interior Ministry Circular Letter No. 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning the postponement of overseas travel during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah holiday. The letter was addressed to all governors and regents and mayors.
The circular was also copied to the President, the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security, the State Secretary, the Foreign Minister, the Immigration and Corrections Minister, and the Cabinet Secretary.
In the circular, the Interior Minister ordered regional heads and deputy regional heads to postpone overseas travel from 14 to 28 March 2026.
“This excludes activities of a highly essential nature that are implemented under Presidential direction or for medical treatment purposes,” Tito stated in his official statement on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Tito explained that this policy was implemented to ensure that regional governments remain focused on carrying out a number of strategic agendas in the lead-up to and during the Eid holiday period.
Several strategic measures requested of regional heads include, firstly, anticipating the potential increased risk to security and safety during the Eid holiday and strengthening coordination with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
Secondly, regional heads are to increase preparedness in supporting the smooth running of the Eid homecoming exodus. Thirdly, they are to conduct monitoring and control of regional inflation. Fourthly, they are to ensure readiness for the implementation of Eid al-Fitr celebration activities.
According to Tito, the policy aims to ensure that regional heads remain in their respective territories so that they can respond quickly to various public needs during the Eid period.
“With regard to recommendations for official overseas travel (PDLN) or permits for overseas travel for important reasons that have been issued for the departure dates in question, such travel should be cancelled or postponed and activities rescheduled,” he said.