The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a special inspection into the conduct of Aceh Selatan Regent Mirwan MS, following allegations of official misconduct. Deputy Minister Bima Arya confirmed the internal investigation, stating that inspectors have been deployed to ascertain if the regent violated regulations by leaving his region during a declared disaster emergency.
This critical examination comes after Regent Mirwan MS departed Aceh Selatan while it was under a disaster emergency status. Deputy Minister Bima Arya underscored the seriousness of the situation, indicating that sanctions are highly probable should the investigation confirm any wrongdoing by the regent. His unauthorized departure raises significant questions about leadership during a crisis.
Beyond leaving his post during a precarious situation, Mirwan also reportedly did so without obtaining the necessary permits from both the governor and the Ministry of Home Affairs. “Regardless, today’s situation is one of emergency response, requiring a physical presence on the ground,” Bima Arya stated emphatically during the Indonesia Sports Summit 2025 in Jakarta on Saturday, December 6. This highlights the government’s expectation for local leaders to be on-site during such critical times.
Regent Mirwan MS is one of three regional heads in Sumatra who had previously declared an inability to manage the impacts of the ongoing disaster. Shortly after making this statement, Mirwan reportedly left Aceh Selatan, citing reasons for an Umrah pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His actions have drawn scrutiny, including criticism from the Aceh Governor directed at regents who expressed incapacity to address flood crises.
On the broader issue of regional capacity, Bima Arya stressed that local leaders must retain full responsibility for directly overseeing disaster response efforts. He assured that the central government is prepared to provide substantial assistance, including funding for the reconstruction of residents’ homes affected by the disaster. The receding floodwaters in Aceh Selatan (ANTARA FOTO/Syifa Yulinnas/YU) signify the ongoing need for coordinated relief and recovery.
“The President has already ordered that everyone be assisted, so the budget has been allocated,” Bima Arya affirmed, highlighting the commitment from the highest level of government. He further clarified that the current disaster status is sufficient and does not require elevation to a national disaster status. This decision is based on the robust support already in place, including budget allocations from the central government, contributions from fiscally strong provinces, and active aid from the TNI (Indonesian Military) and Polri (Indonesian National Police).
Summary
The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a special inspection into Aceh Selatan Regent Mirwan MS following allegations of official misconduct. Deputy Minister Bima Arya confirmed the investigation, noting that inspectors are verifying if the regent violated regulations by leaving his region during a declared disaster emergency without the necessary permits. Sanctions are highly probable should the investigation confirm any wrongdoing, underscoring the importance of leaders’ presence during crises.
Regent Mirwan MS reportedly departed for an Umrah pilgrimage after declaring an inability to manage the disaster impacts, drawing scrutiny. Bima Arya stressed that local leaders must maintain full responsibility for overseeing disaster response efforts, assuring substantial assistance from the central government, including reconstruction funding. He affirmed that the current robust support, with budget allocations and aid from TNI/Polri, is sufficient, negating the need for a national disaster status.
