Parliamentary Commission Warns of Sanctions Against Regional Heads Travelling Abroad During Eid
The parliamentary Commission II has warned of strict sanctions against all regional heads who travel abroad or fail to remain on standby in their jurisdictions during the Eid holiday period from 14–28 March.
Ahmad Irawan, a member of Commission II, stated that sanctions have been established in numerous regulations and laws, and he expressed hope that these rules would be implemented with full awareness and responsibility.
“The mechanisms, procedures, and various forms of sanctions have been established in various pieces of legislation,” said Irawan in a telephone interview on Monday, 9 March.
Irawan’s statement was made in response to Circular Letter No. 000.2.3/1171/SJ from the Ministry of Interior Affairs dated 8 March 2026 regarding postponement of foreign travel during the Eid al-Fitr holiday for the year 1447 Hijriah. The circular, addressed to all governors, regents, and mayors, requires them to postpone overseas travel from 14 to 28 March 2026.
According to Irawan, the circular is standard and necessary. During the Eid period, regions typically experience substantial arrivals of people travelling home for the holidays.
“Therefore, regional heads need to be available in their respective jurisdictions. The same applies to other matters such as preparations and facilitation of homecoming travel, control of inflation in essential goods, and other matters requiring rapid response from regional heads,” he said.
Provisions regarding sanctions for regional heads who fail to perform their duties are outlined in Government Regulation No. 12 of 2017 on Guidance and Supervision of Regional Government Administration. The regulation establishes mechanisms for central government oversight of regional heads, with sanctions ranging from warnings and guidance to recommendations for dismissal.
Regional heads have previously faced sanctions for unauthorised foreign travel. For example, in April 2025, Indramayu Regent Lucky Hakim was sanctioned with an internship at the Ministry of Interior Affairs office after travelling to Japan without permission during a budget efficiency period.
Most recently, South Aceh Regent Mirwan was suspended for three months until 9 March after undertaking an Umrah pilgrimage whilst flooding and landslides were being managed in his region in late November 2025.
Ahmad Irawan emphasised that the policy banning overseas travel during Eid aims to ensure regional heads remain in their respective jurisdictions so they can respond quickly to community needs. He stated: “Regarding recommendations for official foreign travel or permission to travel abroad for important reasons that have already been issued for the intended departure date, such trips should be cancelled or rescheduled.”