Ministry of Home Affairs: 370 Regional Subdivision Proposals Including Luwu Raya Stalled by Moratorium

Director General of Regional Autonomy at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Cheka Virgowansyah, has disclosed that 370 proposals for the subdivision of regencies through to provinces have been submitted to the central government. Among them are proposals for the formation of Central Luwu Regency and Luwu Raya Province.

“Quite a number have been submitted — around 370 regions — but these are essentially proposals,” Cheka said in Makassar on Sunday (22/2).

However, the proposals for new autonomous regions (DOB) remain stalled by the moratorium policy.

“The policy is still being processed; we shall have to wait. There are mechanisms that must be followed. The moratorium policy is still in place and we are still adhering to it,” he explained.

Regarding the push for the formation of Central Luwu Regency and Luwu Raya Province, Cheka stated that these demands cannot yet be acted upon, as they remain blocked by the ongoing moratorium.

“In principle, as long as the moratorium remains in effect, we will follow the policy,” he concluded.

Previously, demonstrations demanding the subdivision and formation of Central Luwu Regency and Luwu Raya Province by local residents turned chaotic, with protesters blocking the trans-Sulawesi highway.

Separately, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs stated that his office had received 337 proposals for new autonomous regions. He noted that many requests had been made for the moratorium on regional subdivision to be lifted.

“There have been a great many proposals also requesting that the moratorium on new autonomous regions be ended, as there are quite a number of requests. In relation to this, there have indeed been several discussions on whether it is time to open the door to new autonomous regions,” said Bima during a working meeting with Committee I of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) on Tuesday (10/12).

The 337 proposals comprise 42 for new provinces, 248 for regencies, 36 for municipalities, six for special regions, and five for special autonomy arrangements.

Bima explained that should the moratorium be lifted, it has been agreed that the formation of new regions would be conducted on a limited basis and must be linked to matters of national strategic interest.