Ribka: 81st Anniversary of Home Affairs Ministry a Momentum to Strengthen Disaster Resilience Synergy
Deputy Home Affairs Minister (Wamendagri) Ribka Haluk has said the 81st anniversary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) should serve as a reminder for all ranks to strengthen unity, improve central and regional synergy, and ensure the government’s presence is felt by the public.
Ribka conveyed this while representing Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian at the ministry’s 81st anniversary ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday (19/8).
“The momentum of the 81st anniversary of the Ministry of Home Affairs should be used to strengthen unity, reinforce the spirit of nationalism, and increase the commitment of all Kemendagri ranks to providing the best service to the public,” Ribka said.
Ribka also delivered four key messages to all Kemendagri staff.
First, to make the 81st anniversary a foundation for learning in facing various challenges, including disasters. Second, to strengthen the spirit of unity and national resilience so that all regional government ranks remain solid and cohesive.
Third, to make Kemendagri the main driver of national priority programmes. Fourth, to strengthen active and effective governance so that the bureaucracy can drive tangible development in society.
Strengthening disaster resilience was one of Ribka’s concerns following the disaster situation in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook several regencies and cities on 15 August 2026, followed by thousands of aftershocks, caused fatalities, injuries, and infrastructure damage.
“This event must serve as a lesson to strengthen the resilience of regional governments and disaster preparedness across all regions of Indonesia,” she said.
In addition to disaster resilience, Ribka emphasised the importance of maintaining the continuity of Kemendagri’s role as the axis of domestic governance and politics.
According to her, Kemendagri’s journey cannot be separated from the journey of the Republic of Indonesia. Kemendagri is one of the ministries established alongside the birth of the Indonesian nation.
Amid the dynamics of constitutional development and the demands of the times, Kemendagri has continued to undergo institutional development and transformation.
Ribka noted that Kemendagri has undergone dozens of leadership changes since its inception. This demonstrates a responsibility that has continued to evolve over time. Each generation within Kemendagri is required to be able to face various challenges, maintain continuity of government, strengthen national unity, and ensure the state is tangibly present in society.
“Eighty-one years is not merely a number, but a reflection of the length of experience, learning, and service that must become capital for facing the future,” Ribka said.
Closing her remarks, Ribka expressed appreciation for the efforts and spirit of all Kemendagri ranks. She invited all employees to continue uniting vision and mission, strengthening synergy, and providing the best service for the nation and state.
“Never tire of loving Indonesia, give your best. Continue to dedicate what you have to building the Republic into a strong, advanced, beneficial, just, prosperous nation that can provide benefits for our people,” she concluded.
To enliven the 81st anniversary, Kemendagri also organised various sports and entertainment competitions, including mini football, badminton, table tennis, tennis, basketball, chess, sack racing, tug of war, creative dance, dominoes, and stand-up comedy.
Other activities included providing assistance to 162 orphans and 129 widows of civil servants, blood donation, a bazaar festival, talk shows, population and civil registration services, environmental clean-up and waste management movements, and free health check-ups.
The 81st anniversary ceremony was also attended by Deputy Home Affairs Minister Akhmad Wiyagus, Secretary General Tomsi Tohir, senior and junior high-ranking officials, members of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan, and all employees within Kemendagri.