Minister of Home Affairs Urges Sulawesi Regional Leaders to Strengthen Coordination for Stability
Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri), Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has urged regional leaders across Sulawesi to strengthen coordination with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). He explained that this is crucial for maintaining political, security, and social stability, which form the foundation for development and economic growth.
The remarks were made by Tito during a joint gathering with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Minister of Housing and Residential Areas in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Saturday, 30 May.
“Almost all issues can be resolved—whether security matters or others, including presidential and central government programs or those of regional leaders—if there is unity,” Tito stated in a statement on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
He noted that Sulawesi holds a strategic position as a connector between western and eastern Indonesia, supported by abundant natural resources. Therefore, security and political stability in the region must be continuously safeguarded.
He emphasised that development cannot proceed without a safe and conducive environment. Thus, maintaining security is not only the responsibility of the central government but also of regional governments (Pemda) alongside all Forkopimda components.
“Security must be nurtured. Health does not come suddenly, nor does security. How costly health is after falling ill, how costly security is after losing it,” he stressed.
He reminded attendees of past social conflicts in various Sulawesi regions, which serve as valuable lessons on the high cost of security. Therefore, Tito urged Forkopimda members to strengthen relationships and communication through regular meetings and informal activities to enhance cooperation.
Additionally, Tito called on regional leaders to activate the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB). Based on conflict resolution experiences, FKUB has proven crucial in maintaining harmony and preventing religious-based conflicts from escalating into larger social disturbances.
He stated that FKUB’s success depends heavily on regional leaders’ support, particularly through adequate budget allocations. This is essential for the forum to effectively communicate with respective religious communities.
Furthermore, he requested districts activate the Social Conflict Handling Team (TPKS) as an early detection and prevention tool. He stressed that every social conflict begins with detectable signs that need immediate attention before escalating into riots.
“Riots never happen instantaneously but through a process. That process must be halted and prevented from escalating,” he explained.
The event was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Central Statistics Agency Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, six Sulawesi provincial governors, and various regents and mayors across the region.