“Being a good regional leader is not only about capability and electability but also about morality and compassion. Go down to the grassroots, understand people’s hardships, and feel their struggles,”Kota Bogor (ANTARA) - Head of the Agency for Development Control and Special Investigation (Bappisus) Aries Marsudiyanto reminded regional leaders of three key principles: avoid corruption in managing regional budgets, foster creativity and innovation in developing local potential, and uphold morality by showing care for the community.
In a video statement received in Bogor on Friday, Aries delivered the message during the “Regional Leaders Awards 2025” hosted by a national television station on Thursday evening.
He stressed that all regional budget funds must reach the people and must not be misused.
“There should be no more regional leaders arrested for corruption, manipulation, or other misconduct,” Aries said, drawing applause from the audience, which included Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno and Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian.
Aries said he was saddened to see that over the past five years, hundreds of regional leaders had been jailed for misusing public funds.
He underlined that the central government is committed to ensuring budget allocations directly benefit citizens.
“In the past there were several steps, now we simplify the steps to make sure the funds go straight to the users,” he explained.
He also urged regional governments to foster creativity and innovation in developing their resources and potential.
“Leadership is an art. The more references a leader has, the more creative and innovative they become, and the better they can harness local potential for regional progress,” Aries said.
The third reminder, he added, is for leaders to maintain moral integrity through genuine care for the people.
“Being a good regional leader is not only about capability and electability but also about morality and compassion. Go down to the grassroots, understand people’s hardships, and feel their struggles,” he said.
According to Aries, leaders who practice compassion will find the best way to address problems and remain in harmony with the needs of the community.
He praised the “Regional Leaders Awards 2025” for recognizing outstanding leaders, saying such recognition motivates regional heads to stay committed to serving the people.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Arie Novarina
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