Responding to the 2029 Political Issue, ASR Chooses to Focus on Completing the Work Programme

G overnor of Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra), Andi Sumangerukka (ASR), has reaffirmed his commitment to focus on completing his work programme during the remainder of his term, and said he has not considered the possibility of contesting the 2029 gubernatorial elections. The statement followed discussions with several BEM chairs from Halu Oleo University, Kendari University, and IAIN Kendari on Thursday, 21 May. ASR described debates on the 2029 contest as premature.

“There’s a long time; why talk about it now? There are still four years. Please give me the chance to work first,” ASR said on Saturday, 23 May.

According to ASR, the discussion with the students focused more on the essence of leadership and the moral responsibility of a regional head. He stressed that being a leader means being prepared to sacrifice personal interests for the greater good of the people.

“A leader is a person who sacrifices their own desires. They may have many wishes, but when faced with the wishes of the people, they must sacrifice their own wishes. They must be able to accommodate the wishes of the people,” he explained.

Regarding the possibility of a second term, ASR admitted he had not taken a final decision. He emphasised that his future political steps would depend on the aspirations of the people of Southeast Sulawesi as well as family support, not merely personal ambition.

“I do not want to comment on whether I will run or not in 2029, because there is still much work to do. So if I say it is not certain that I will run, it does not mean I do not want to run again, but the status is indeed not certain. We want to work, step by step, the road is still long,” he concluded. (Z-10)