Inter-Regional Competition to Foster 'Indonesia ASRI': Home Affairs Minister Urges Local Governments

The Minister of Home Affairs of Indonesia, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has encouraged regional governments (Pemda) to make inter-regional performance competitions a momentum for strengthening the implementation of various development agendas. This is to be achieved through the realization of the Indonesia Aman, Sehat, Resik, dan Indah (ASRI) or Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful Indonesia movement, in line with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. "The President highly champions this issue, which is one of his eight Asta Cita (promises), namely addressing waste problems, cleanliness, and which he has encapsulated in a larger concept called Indonesia ASRI," said Tito during the Appreciation for Prestigious Regional Governments Batch II Regional Sulawesi event at Hotel Claro, Makassar City, South Sulawesi (18/9). In a written statement, Tito explained that the competition uses several indicators to measure the performance of regional governments, both at the provincial, regency, and city levels. The indicators assessed include access to and quality of health services, implementation of the Three Million Houses Program, waste and environmental management through the ASRI concept, and access to and services in education. On this occasion, the Minister of Home Affairs emphasized the importance of regional cleanliness and environmental management as part of the effort to realize Indonesia ASRI. According to him, regional governments need to translate the President's directives into concrete steps according to the conditions and needs of each region. He cited the example of arranging promotional media in public spaces so as not to detract from the aesthetic of urban spatial planning. He appreciated the proactive steps of several regional governments that have begun to utilize videotron as a means to organize promotional spaces in their areas. "Jakarta has started, Semarang, Bandung, several other cities, they have made videotron, and then they will install promotions," he said. President Prabowo Subianto will provide direct instructions to regional heads regarding the Indonesia ASRI Movement, which is expected to further strengthen the implementation of the movement in the regions. In addition to encouraging environmental improvements, inter-regional competitions are also expected to spur regional governments to optimize basic services for the community. The Minister of Home Affairs hopes that the awards given can motivate regional governments to continue to improve performance and provide better services to the community. Tito also appreciated the leadership and members of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) for supporting the holding of the 2026 Prestigious Regional Governments Appreciation. This support is considered important for encouraging regional governments to improve performance and public services. "I congratulate my colleagues who have received awards. For those who haven't, hopefully, you can be motivated. For those who have received awards, utilize the budget, maintain your achievements. And my colleagues are also proof tonight, there are quite a lot of good regional heads," said Tito. Source: CNN Indonesia