"We cannot outright reject such proposals, as we must study their compatibility with the criteria for designating it a special region," Karnavian told the press here on Friday.
He emphasized that any proposal, even if regionally beneficial, must comply with prevailing regulations. If the proposal moves forward, the ministry will submit its studies to the parliament for follow-up actions, he added.
"A new region is established by law, and every region will have its legal basis," the minister noted.
Karnavian also clarified that special region proposals are exempt from the moratorium on the establishment of new administrative divisions in force since 2014.
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Meanwhile, Deputy Chair of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR) Aria Bima confirmed on Thursday (April 24) that Surakarta is among six Indonesian regions proposed for special status.
"Regarding my constituency in Surakarta, (some stakeholders) urged for the city to be separated from Central Java and reconstituted as Surakarta Special Region," Bima stated after a hearing with the Home Affairs Ministry's Directorate General of Regional Autonomy.
While acknowledging Surakarta's historical and cultural uniqueness, the MP deemed the proposal non-urgent for immediate deliberation, requiring further studies.
The Surakarta Sunanate, a traditional non-sovereign monarchy rooted in Surakarta, emerged as one of the successors to the Mataram Sultanate (1586–1755), alongside the Yogyakarta Sultanate. While Yogyakarta retains political autonomy as a Special Region today, Surakarta’s authority was diminished.
Upon Indonesia's independence in 1945, the Surakarta Sunanate pledged allegiance to the new Republican government and declared itself a special region within Indonesia, a move recognized by the new government.
However, due to political upheaval, its special status was revoked in 1946, and its regions, comprising Surakarta City and several neighboring districts, merged with the Central Java Province.
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Translator: Narda Margaretha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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