DPR Criticizes Regional Head for Umrah Permission Ahead of Eid: He Should Be Present Instead of Leaving the Region

Member of Commission II of the House of Representatives Eka Widodo criticized a number of regional heads who applied for permission to perform the umrah pilgrimage ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. According to him, the momentum ahead of Lebaran is a very crucial period for public services in the region so that local regional heads must remain on alert.

Moreover, the Government through the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, had previously issued the Minister of Home Affairs Circular Number 000.2.3/1171/SJ regarding the postponement of travel abroad for regional heads during the Idulfitri holiday.

"Regional heads must have public sensitivity. Leading up to Eid al-Fitr is the most crucial momentum in public service. Regional leaders should be present among the people, not leave their region," Eka Widodo told reporters, Tuesday, March 10.

The legislator, who is familiarly called Edo, said the homecoming tradition is the largest social event in Indonesia involving the movement of millions of people returning home. This condition, said Edo, raises various issues that require direct leadership in the region.

"Tourism brings many problems, ranging from transportation, security, food price stability, to health services. All of this requires the attention and direct presence of the regional head," he explained.

Edo said that the umrah was a noble worship, but for public officials, the responsibility of the post could not be set aside.

He also reminded the heads of regions of the oath of office which requires them to prioritize public interests as stipulated in Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government.

Edo assessed that the homecoming momentum was actually a strategic opportunity for regional heads to absorb public aspirations, especially for expatriates who returned to their home areas.

"This is a golden opportunity for regional heads to hear directly the experiences of migrants - why they choose to work in the city and what needs to be improved in the area so that people can prosper in their hometowns," he said.

In addition, he also reminded that Indonesia is still in the rainy season with a high risk of disasters, such as floods and landslides. In this situation, he emphasized, the presence of the regional head in his area is very important.

Edo then touched on public experiences in the past when the community was shocked by the case of regional heads who performed the umrah while their citizens were facing disasters, as was the case with Mirwan MS, the regent of South Aceh.

"This case is an important lesson about how important a leader's sensitivity to the situation of his people is," he said.