The instruction was delivered during a briefing for Papua regional heads at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 16, according to an official release from the Presidential Secretariat.
“I truly ask the governors and district heads to take responsibility. District heads and governors should not travel abroad using special autonomy funds,” President Prabowo said.
He then questioned the firmness of their commitment, asking, “Can you do that? Why is the answer not strong enough?”
“Yes!” the regional heads replied in unison.
President Prabowo emphasized that oversight of regional governance is no longer limited to internal government mechanisms, noting that public scrutiny has intensified with the widespread use of digital devices.
“The people are already smart. Everyone has a gadget. The home affairs minister should monitor this. Do not let district heads stay too long in Jakarta,” he said.
The President also reminded regional leaders of their responsibility to remain loyal to the people they serve.
“You are responsible to your people. The committee will help. Ministers are ready. Central government programs will also be rolled out,” President Prabowo said.
The committee referred to is the Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Executive Committee, which was also present at the briefing. Central government programs include free nutritious meals, Sekolah Rakyat, village cooperatives, food self-sufficiency, and energy self-sufficiency initiatives.
To ensure effective implementation, the President called on all regional heads in Papua to maintain close coordination with the executive committee and the National Development Planning Ministry in formulating regional priority programs.
“It is impossible to solve everything at once, but with priorities, we will match them with our current capabilities,” the President added.
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Translator: Genta, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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