Karnavian also reminded regional officials to exercise caution when making public statements.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has instructed all regional heads to postpone overseas travel and avoid extravagant events, such as lavish parties or large-scale entertainment.

He stressed the critical role of regional leaders in fostering a calm and stable environment amid rising public demonstrations over the past week.

“This is necessary to ease public unrest and maintain social stability in the regions,” Karnavian said in a statement issued on Monday.

He also urged officials to be cautious when making public statements, emphasizing that they should speak strictly within the scope of their duties to prevent misinterpretation and further unrest.

Executive Director of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR), Iwan Setiawan, welcomed the minister’s directive, calling it a timely move to preserve public order.

According to Setiawan, the policy reflects the government’s empathy toward citizens facing economic hardship.

“The Minister’s approach shows a people-first mindset. When officials avoid ostentation and are sensitive to public sentiment, the risk of unrest can be reduced,” he said.

Setiawan added that communication by regional leaders plays a key role in maintaining calm. He urged them to be mindful of the public’s psychological state and avoid statements that could offend or inflame tensions.

“Effective public communication helps create a peaceful atmosphere. Regional heads should act as stabilizing figures, not sources of provocation,” he explained.

He also endorsed the government’s strategy of prioritizing empathy over a purely security-based response, noting that this approach is more effective in defusing social tensions and preserving regional stability.

“Empathy is a more reliable tool for preventing escalation. When paired with genuinely pro-people policies, it can sustain a conducive environment,” Setiawan concluded.

The recent protests across Indonesia were primarily fueled by public outrage over a proposed monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (about US$3,000) for members of parliament, which many considered excessive amid rising living costs and a weak economy.

The situation was exacerbated by several legislators' comments that were perceived as insensitive and out of touch, such as comparing themselves to manual laborers, calling protesters "dumb," and justifying the allowance by citing their own long commutes.

The demonstrations escalated and became more violent after a video went viral showing a police tactical vehicle running over and killing a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest in Jakarta.

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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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