Ministry Of Home Affairs Sends Inspectorates, There Will Be Sanctions If Regional Heads Respond To Disasters

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya when giving a press statement after filling out a panel of the Indonesia Sports Summit 2025 at the Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Saturday (12/06/2025). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - In the midst of disaster management efforts that hit a number of areas in Sumatra, the central government's attention is now focused on the performance of regional heads in responding to the emergency situation.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has confirmed that it has deployed an inspectorate team to carry out direct supervision in areas affected by the disaster.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya said that this step is part of government control to ensure disaster management runs according to the rules, procedures, and responsibilities of positions.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs did not rule out the possibility of imposing sanctions on regional officials if violations were found in emergency handling, especially in areas that are now experiencing the worst impacts such as Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs has dispatched special inspectors there (disaster-affected areas) to carry out investigations. Yes, of course, it is very possible that there will be sanctions given by the Ministry of Home Affairs if violations are found there," said Bima Arya when met after filling out the Indonesia Sports Summit 2025 panel at the Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Saturday.

Previously, the Head of the Information Center of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Benni Irwan, confirmed that the Regent of South Aceh, Mirwan, would be summoned to undergo an examination after it was found that he was performing Umrah when the area he led was affected by the flood. The Ministry of Home Affairs regretted the decision, because it was deemed not in accordance with the obligations of the regional head in an emergency situation.

This internal examination is part of a step to strengthen the accountability of local governments, especially in disaster response conditions when the presence of leaders becomes crucial for the coordination and safety of residents.