Parliamentary Member Warns of Severe Sanctions for Regional Leaders Travelling Abroad During Eid
The Interior Minister (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian has issued a circular requiring all regional leaders to remain in their respective areas during Eid al-Fitr. Ahmad Irawan, a member of Commission II of the House of Representatives, warned that regional leaders who violate this instruction face dismissal sanctions.
“Sanctions against regional leaders and vice regional leaders who fail to implement the Interior Minister’s instructions and/or national programmes can be imposed in a tiered administrative manner. These sanctions can include written warnings, temporary suspension (deactivation), or permanent dismissal,” Irawan told reporters on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Irawan called on regional leaders to comply with the instructions issued by the Interior Ministry. He stated that such sanctions are regulated under Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government.
“As a member of Commission II of the House of Representatives, I hope the Interior Minister’s instructions will be implemented with full awareness and responsibility, so that no regional leaders need to face sanctions,” he said.
On the other hand, Irawan expressed hope that recognition would be given to regional leaders who genuinely serve their constituents during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
“I encourage the Interior Minister to consider providing rewards to regional leaders who implement the instructions seriously, responsibly, and with excellent performance,” he said.
Previously, Tito Karnavian emphasised that all regional leaders should remain on alert in their respective areas to ensure that public services run optimally during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H celebrations. This aligns with the issuance of Interior Ministry Circular Number 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning the Postponement of Travel Abroad during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H Holiday.
The policy also responds to the phenomenon of several regional leaders planning Umrah pilgrimages near Eid al-Fitr, which risks their absence from their regions during this important period.
Yet regional leaders are the highest officials in their territories, wielding authority and making policy decisions responsible for public services.
“At the peak of community activities, when the public is on holiday, we should not be on holiday. Rather, at this peak activity we must reassure the public so they can carry out the series of Eid celebrations, with homecoming traffic, return traffic, with controlled prices, tourist attractions well-managed and maintained,” Tito said in a written statement on Monday, 9 March 2026.
The Democratic Party’s Position
The Democratic Party has called on its cadres serving as regional leaders to comply.
“Regional leaders must be present in their respective work areas,” said Democratic Party Secretary-General Herman Khaeron to reporters on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Herman expressed confidence that a village head would certainly not travel abroad. He noted that village heads are the people closest to residents.
“I believe village heads are indeed always in their villages, and as part of the government, I know village heads are the most intensive and close to communities,” he said.
“And if a village head travels abroad during Eid, that is unlikely,” he added.
The PKS Position
The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) stated that regional leaders could travel abroad if there are urgent needs.
“Regional leaders are the primary responsible party. It is reasonable for them to be on standby and protect residents. But if there are urgent needs, they can seek permission,” said PKS Executive Board Chairman Mardani Ali Sera to reporters on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
“Not all regional leaders are in the same situation. Permission is given according to necessity,” he added.
The Commission II House member also requested his cadres to be on alert during the 2026 Eid homecoming period.
“PKS has already reminded its cadres to protect residents during Eid. Coordination with police, hospitals, civil police and even organising Joint Homecoming Programmes,” he said.