“We will require him to work internally at the ministry for three months for further training,” Karnavian said at the ministry on Tuesday.
He said Mirwan violated Articles 76 and 77 of the 2014 Regional Government Law by leaving the country without ministerial approval. Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf had also denied his request for overseas travel due to the disaster emergency in the province.
Mirwan will be replaced in an acting capacity by his deputy, Baital Mukadis, during the suspension.
Karnavian noted that President Prabowo Subianto had urged him to dismiss Mirwan outright, but the law limits the penalty for unauthorized overseas trips to a three-month suspension.
He said six subdistricts and 12 villages in South Aceh were hit by floods and landslides, forcing around 5,940 residents into four shelters. The disaster also damaged 750 houses and submerged 460 hectares of rice fields.
Related news: Indonesia scrutinizes regional leaders over disaster response failures
The minister stressed that the crisis required strong leadership from local officials, especially to coordinate with police, the military and regional agencies.
“He could postpone the pilgrimage — it is not compulsory. His main duty now should be helping his people,” Karnavian said.
Despite declaring his district in need of assistance, Mirwan traveled to Mecca on December 2 with his spouse, triggering public backlash. The ministry’s inspectorate later summoned him for questioning upon his return.
Local authorities defended Mirwan, saying he had departed only after conditions had stabilized.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that as of December 9, the floods and landslides had killed 961 people, left 287 missing and affected millions across 52 districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
Related news: South Aceh leader to be questioned for Umrah during floods
Translator: Bagus Ahmad R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
