Indonesian Minister Urges Recognition for High-Performing Regional Governments

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, is calling on other ministries and agencies to join in recognizing regional governments that demonstrate strong performance. He believes that such accolades serve as a crucial motivator, driving local administrations to enhance their services and overall effectiveness.

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So I invite my colleagues, ministers or agency heads who want to take advantage of this event, if you also want to give awards, please do.

Karnavian made these remarks during the 2026 Regional Government Performance Appreciation event for the Sumatra Region, held in Batam, Riau Islands. The event, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted achievements in four key categories: Access and Quality of Health Services, Implementation of the 3 Million Houses Program, Waste Management and Green Environment, and Access to Education Services.

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If previously others were given in the form of fiscal incentives, not for individuals, it is included in the non-cash APBD, but directly into the account later, the regional finance account. Specifically for housing, it is given in the form of a house renovation quota.

To ensure a thorough evaluation, the Ministry of Home Affairs collaborated with relevant ministries and agencies specific to each category. For instance, environmental assessments involved ministries responsible for environmental affairs. Karnavian extended an invitation to his cabinet colleagues and heads of institutions, encouraging them to utilize this platform to offer their own forms of appreciation aligned with their respective fields.

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Perhaps the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education, maybe they have special allocation funds in certain fields, so we also welcome it if they want to join.

Several ministries have already begun to follow suit. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PKP) has allocated quotas for house renovations to regions recognized for their success in the 3 Million Houses Program. Karnavian noted that while some incentives are fiscal and channeled through regional budgets, housing support is provided directly through renovation projects. He also encouraged the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to consider similar supportive programs within their jurisdictions, emphasizing the importance of publicly recognizing dedicated regional leaders.

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But behind that, with an event like this, we also want to show that there are many good and high-performing regional heads.