Jakarta (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian gave a warning that he would remove acting regional heads (PJs) whose regions' inflation rate exceeded the national inflation rate for three consecutive months.

"Currently, there are 105 acting regional heads. If it (the region's inflation rate) is above the national (rate) for three consecutive months, I will remove (the acting regional head). I will report to the president," he told reporters here on Monday.

Karnavian made the statement after attending the inauguration of the National Simultaneous Cheap Food Movement.

The minister noted that in 2023, the government will increase the number of acting regional heads to 170 people, comprising governors, deputy governors, district heads, deputy district heads, mayors, and deputy mayors.

Based on Home Affairs Minister's Regulation Number 4 of 2023, the minister and the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) can propose names of acting regional heads to fill the vacant positions of governor and deputy governor, district head and deputy district head, and mayor and deputy mayor.

However, he emphasized that if a region cannot control inflation, he will not accept the region's proposed names for acting regional heads.

Karnavian admitted that so far, he had rejected several proposals for acting regional heads from governors, who had failed to keep the regional inflation rate below the national rate though desisted from furnishing details on the number.

Related news: Govt, BI successfully controlling inflation together: Minister

Related news: President Jokowi lauds regions for inflation control: home minister

Translator: Kuntum Khaira, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2023