Minister Of Home Affairs Reminds Regional Heads Not To Go Abroad And Hold Entertainment Parties

JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian instructed all regional heads to postpone travel abroad and not to hold excessive events such as luxury parties or big entertainment.

He is also important in the role of regional heads in creating a conducive situation amidst the increasing demonstrations in the past week.

"This is necessary to reduce public unrest and maintain social stability in the regions," Tito said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, September 1.

In addition, Tito also reminded regional officials to be careful when delivering public statements.

He emphasized that every official should only speak according to their main duties and functions (tupoksi) in order to avoid misinterpretations that can trigger new turmoil in society.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Indonesia Political Review (IPR) Iwan Setiawan assessed that the instructions of the Minister of Home Affairs Tito were the right steps to maintain conduciveness.

According to him, the policy shows the government's empathy for people who are facing economic pressure.

"This effort by the Minister of Home Affairs is a form of prioritizing empathy for the people. If officials are populist, do not show off, and are able to maintain people's feelings, then the potential for turmoil can be suppressed," said Iwan.

Iwan emphasized that the communication pattern of regional officials played a major role in creating calm. Regional heads must be able to read the psychological conditions of the community so that their statements do not offend or make things worse.

Good public communication will help create a calm atmosphere. A regional head must be present as a persuader, not provoke people's anger," he explained.

Iwan also supports the government's strategy of prioritizing an empathetic approach rather than just relying on security aspects. According to him, this method is more effective in reducing social tension while maintaining stability in the regions.

This approach to empathy is more reliable to prevent escalation. If it is supported by a really pro-people policy, then a conducive situation can be maintained," he said.