PKB Legislator Criticises Multiple Regional Heads for Umrah Permission Ahead of Eid

A Commission II member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKB faction, Eka Widodo, has criticised the phenomenon of numerous regional heads requesting permission to perform umrah ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri. He reminded regional heads to remain in their territories, as the period before Eid is crucial for public service delivery.

“Regional heads must have public sensitivity. The period before Eid al-Fitr is the most crucial moment in community service. Regional leaders should be present among the people, not abandon their territories,” said Eka Widodo, known as Edo, in a written statement on Tuesday (9 March).

Edo stated that regional heads must ensure that the mudik (homecoming migration) proceeds smoothly. According to him, the mudik tradition is Indonesia’s largest social event, involving millions of people returning to their villages. This situation creates various problems that require direct leadership in the regions.

“The mudik brings many issues, ranging from transportation, security, food price stability, to health services. All of this requires attention and direct presence of regional heads,” he said.

Edo acknowledged that umrah is indeed a noble religious practice. However, for public officials, the responsibilities of office cannot be set aside. He also reminded regional heads that they are bound by an oath of office that requires them to prioritise the public interest, as regulated in Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government.

Edo considered the mudik period as a strategic opportunity for regional heads to absorb community aspirations, particularly from migrant workers returning to their areas of origin.

“This is a golden opportunity for regional heads to hear directly from migrants about their experiences, why they chose to work in cities, and what needs to be improved in the regions so that people can prosper in their hometowns,” he said.

Additionally, he noted that Indonesia is currently in the rainy season with a fairly high risk of natural disasters, such as floods and landslides. In such situations, the presence of regional heads in their territories is extremely important.

Edo referenced past public experience when residents were shocked by cases of regional heads performing umrah whilst their residents faced disasters, such as the case of Mirwan MS, regent of South Aceh.

“That case became an important lesson about how important a leader’s sensitivity to the situation of their people is,” he said.

The Interior Minister Tito Karnavian had previously instructed all regional heads and deputy regional heads to remain alert and stay in their respective territories during a period of one week before until one week after Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.

The instruction was conveyed through Circular Letter (SE) of the Interior Minister No. 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning Deferral of Travel Abroad during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri Holiday. The circular was addressed to all governors, regents and mayors. In the circular, regional heads and deputy regional heads are requested to defer international travel from 14 to 28 March 2026.

“Except for activities that are very essential and whose implementation is a directive from the President or for medical treatment purposes,” said Tito in his statement in Jakarta on Monday (9 March).