Ministry Of State Affairs Issues New Policy For Overseas Travel Efficiency

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of State Secretariat (Kemensetneg) has issued the latest policy related to Foreign Service Travel (PDLN) which aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign service activities by the government.

This provision is contained in a letter numbered B-32/M/S/LN.00/12/2024 concerning the Foreign Service Travel Permit Policy signed by the Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in Jakarta, December 23, 2024.

"Following up on the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the Cabinet Session on 23 October 2024 and 6 November 2024, so that the heads of ministries/agencies/agencies/agencies and ranks save the Travel of the Foreign Service (PDLN)," the policy was quoted as saying by Antara, Thursday 26 December.

In the letter whose nature is "very soon" was submitted to various parties, ranging from the ranks of the Minister of the Red and White Cabinet to regional heads throughout Indonesia.

There are five important points that are the basis for this policy. First, PDLN activities are selective and oriented towards results for improving government performance and regional development.

In addition, PDLN is only permitted for activities that have high urgency and direct relevance of the achievement of national priority programs.

At the next point, it is explained about the very limited quota of PDLN participants. For example, programs such as the task of learning diploma to post-doctoral levels, as well as diplomatic activities, the number of participants will adjust the application.

Meanwhile, technical activities such as inspections or factory acceptance tests are limited to a maximum of three people.

Other activities such as elaborating training and studies can involve up to 10 participants, while cultural, tourism, or investment missions are limited to five people with proportionally adjusted companions.

State visits, including by the President or Vice President, will be regulated based on the direct direction of the President through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, the minister's visit or the head of the institution follows the direction of the Minister of State Secretary.

In international forums across ministries/agencies, the number of participants will follow the recommendations of related agencies. As for bilateral or multilateral hearings, a maximum of five people can be assigned, with an additional two people if they involve cross-organization working groups.

The policy also regulates strict requirements and procedures for PDLN actors, namely that the permit application must be submitted no later than seven days before departure, equipped with supporting documents such as a working reference framework, confirmation of participation from foreign administrators, and information on financing.

PLDN participants are also required to make a post-activity report. Each participant is required to report the results of the activity no later than two weeks after returning to Indonesia.

PLDN participants are also fully responsible for violations of the implementation of PDLN that were carried out without the President's approval, including administrative consequences and other sanctions.