He stated that the circular aims to keep all local leaders stationed in their respective regions, particularly those in cities and districts across three Sumatra provinces recently hit by major floods and landslides.
"I want regional heads to stand by in their regions, particularly those currently reeling from disasters," Karnavian remarked during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The minister delivered the statement in response to controversy over the Umrah pilgrimage undertaken by South Aceh District Head Mirwan MS while his region was struggling with severe disasters.
Addressing leaders of disaster-stricken regions, Karnavian assured them that the central and provincial governments remain committed to supporting local disaster response and recovery efforts.
He urged those leaders to stay in their regions to guide their aides and local institutions in ensuring coordinated and effective emergency measures amid the ongoing situation.
Referring to Mirwan’s case, Karnavian confirmed that he has suspended the South Aceh leader for three months for violating Article 76 and Article 77 of Law No. 23 of 2014 on Regional Governments.
He stressed that Mirwan departed for Saudi Arabia for Umrah without authorization from the Ministry of Home Affairs, even as his constituents were facing severe floods and landslides. Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf had also denied his permission request.
Karnavian added that South Aceh Deputy District Head Baital Mukadis will temporarily replace Mirwan, who will be assigned to the ministry for further training during his suspension period.
The suspension aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to impose a severe sanction on Mirwan, conveyed during his visit to Aceh on Sunday (December 7).
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Translator: Bagus A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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