Minister of Home Affairs Orders Regional Heads to Remain on Alert During Eid Holiday

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, has issued a series of instructions to regional heads in preparation for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri / 2026 CE.

These instructions were issued because regional heads are the highest-ranking officials in their respective areas. These officials hold executive authority and are responsible for policymaking and public service delivery.

The first instruction requires regional heads to remain on alert in their respective jurisdictions to ensure optimal public services during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri celebration. “When public activities peak and people are celebrating, we must not take leave,” Tito stated during a Coordination Meeting on Inflation Control and Regional Government Preparedness for the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri/2026 celebration, held in hybrid format from the Riau Islands Governor’s Office Auditorium (Kepri) in Tanjungpinang on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Tito reminded regional heads that they must be present during several vital moments before and during Eid al-Fitr. This aligns with the issuance of Home Affairs Ministry Circular (SE) Number 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 regarding the postponement of overseas travel during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri holiday period.

He explained that the mobility of people during the exodus home (mudik) and return journey requires serious attention, given that Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. Consequently, the Eid tradition of homecoming causes a surge in large-scale public movement every year.

Additionally, environmental security requires attention, particularly because many homes are left vacant when residents depart for their hometowns. Regional governments must arrange environmental security and establish monitoring posts along key migration routes.

“There are other considerations as well—people leaving their homes to return to their hometowns, leaving their houses empty, which need protection and organisation. Some may entrust their vehicles to neighbours or local community leaders. We also need to establish monitoring posts along the exodus and return routes,” Tito said.

This policy also serves to reduce congestion during the exodus and return journey periods.

Working From Anywhere (WFA) can be implemented on 16, 17, 25, 26, and 27 March 2026, in accordance with arrangements made by respective ministries, agencies, and regional governments.

“This must be arranged by each regional head and each ministry or agency respectively. This means there will be an extended break from 16 to 27 March. I don’t actually call it a holiday, but rather Working From Anywhere,” Tito said.