Legislator Reminds Regional Heads to Remain Alert During Eid: Not Abandoning Their Territories
JAKARTA — A member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Eka Widodo, has highlighted a circular issued by the Interior Minister numbered 000.2.3/1171/SJ regarding the postponement of foreign travel for regional heads during the 2026 Islamic New Year (1447 Hijriah/2026 CE) Eid al-Fitr holiday period.
Eka viewed the regulation positively, as the period leading up to Eid represents a critical time for public service delivery in regions.
“Regional heads must demonstrate public sensitivity. The approach to Eid is the most crucial moment in serving communities. Regional leaders should be present among their people, not abandoning their territories,” Eka stated in his remarks on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
According to him, many citizens will travel home during the Ramadan period. Consequently, this situation creates various problems that require direct leadership in the regions.
“Homecoming brings many issues, ranging from transport, security, food price stability, to healthcare services. All of these require the attention and direct presence of regional heads,” he explained.
However, public officials also bear official responsibilities that cannot be set aside. He reminded that regional heads are bound by an oath of office that requires them to prioritise the interests of the community as regulated in Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government.
Therefore, Eka viewed the homecoming period as a strategic opportunity for regional heads to absorb public aspirations. Additionally, he reminded that Indonesia is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions. In such a situation, the presence of regional heads in their territories becomes very important.
“This is a golden opportunity for regional heads to directly hear the experiences of migrant workers, understand why they choose to work in cities, and determine what needs to be improved in the regions so that people can prosper in their hometowns,” he said.
The Interior Minister also prohibited regional heads from travelling abroad during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday. This instruction was issued to ensure the smooth implementation of regional government during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr break period.
The instruction was conveyed through a Circular from the Interior Minister numbered 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 regarding the postponement of foreign travel during the 1447 Hijriah Eid al-Fitr holiday period.
The circular was addressed to all governors, regents, and city mayors. In the circular, regional heads and deputy regional heads are asked to postpone foreign travel from 14 to 28 March 2026.
“Excepting activities that are very essential in nature whose implementation is directed by the President or for medical purposes,” the Interior Minister stated in his remarks on Sunday (8 March 2026).