Interior Minister Reminds Regional Heads Not to Take Leave During Eid: "While People Rest, We Must Not"

Jakarta — Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has requested that regional heads remain on alert in their respective territories to ensure optimal public services during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri celebrations.

This directive responds to reports of several regional heads planning hajj pilgrimages approaching Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.

He requested that regional heads should not take leave when the public is on holiday.

“During peak public activity, when people are resting, we must not rest,” said Tito during a Coordination Meeting on Inflation Control and Regional Government Preparedness for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri / 2026, held in hybrid format from the Riau Islands Governor’s Office Auditorium (Kepri), Tanjungpinang, according to a press release on Monday (9 March 2026).

This aligns with the issuance of Interior Ministry Circular Number 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning the postponement of overseas travel during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri holidays.

Moreover, regional heads are the highest leaders in their territories.

These officials hold power and make policy decisions that are accountable for public service.

“We are instead at the peak of activity to assure the public that they can carry out the Eid celebrations, with migration patterns, return flows, and controlled prices, well-maintained and well-managed tourist sites,” he said.

He explained that public mobility during migration and return periods requires serious attention, given that Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population.

The tradition of returning home for every Eid causes a surge in large-scale public movement.

Additionally, environmental security also requires attention, particularly because many homes are left vacant by their owners during migration.

Therefore, environmental security arrangements and the establishment of alert posts along migration and return routes are necessary.

“Another matter is that people leaving their homes to return to their villages, leaving their houses empty, need protection and coordination. Some may entrust their vehicles to neighbours or community leaders. There are also alert posts that must be established along migration and return routes,” he said.

This is done by maintaining transport safety, anticipating potential crowds at tourist sites, and ensuring the availability and stability of basic commodity prices approaching the holiday.

Specifically for inflation control, he requested that regional heads coordinate with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), distributors, business associations, and market managers to ensure adequate supply and affordable prices.

“To ensure that supply is adequate and prices are affordable. If there are increases, intervene with low-cost market movements,” said Tito.