South Aceh Regent suspended for unauthorised umrah trip during floods

INDONESIA — Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has imposed a three-month suspension on South Aceh Regent Mirwan MS for travelling abroad without permission while his district faced severe floods and landslides.

According to a statement by Tito, the suspension took effect on 9 December 2025 under Article 76 paragraph 1 letter i, which regulates foreign travel by regional leaders.

During the suspension, Deputy Regent Baital Mukaddis has been appointed acting regent.

Tito said Mirwan must undertake an internship at the Ministry of Home Affairs during the period as part of corrective development.

He stated that the internship aims to reinforce understanding of administrative responsibilities.

The controversy began when Mirwan travelled for an umrah pilgrimage as his district was under disaster response measures.

Mirwan had submitted a request for permission on 22 November 2025 through a letter later forwarded to the Aceh Government on 24 November 2025.

On 24 November, floods and landslides began affecting parts of Sumatra.

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf declared an emergency status on 27 November.

A response letter issued on 28 November denied the permit, citing ongoing disaster conditions at the provincial and district levels.

Despite the rejection, Mirwan continued with his travel plans.

He initially returned to Aceh briefly after learning the permit was denied but departed for umrah on 2 December from Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport.

Tito stated that he contacted Mirwan directly after learning of his departure.

He said Mirwan informed him that he had made a nazar (a commitment he made to his God), though specific details were not disclosed.

Tito emphasised that assisting the public amid disaster is a priority form of service.

He added that performing a sunnah pilgrimage could have been postponed, while leadership duties could not.

Tito noted that Mirwan had helped communities earlier but said ongoing issues required the presence of a local leader.

The Minister reiterated that elected officials must demonstrate consistent responsibility during crises.

Mirwan posted a public apology through his official Instagram account on 9 December 2025.

He apologised to President Prabowo Subianto, the Minister of Home Affairs, Governor Muzakir Manaf, and residents of South Aceh.

He acknowledged that his decision had caused distress and disappointment.

President Prabowo asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, who also serves as Secretary-General of Gerindra, about the party’s stance on the incident.

Gerindra later announced Mirwan’s removal from his position as Chair of the party’s South Aceh branch.

Sugiono stated that the decision reflected concerns over Mirwan’s conduct and leadership.

He noted that the party viewed the situation as a serious breach of responsibility.

Governor Muzakir Manaf also reiterated that no permission had been granted for the umrah trip during the emergency period.

The disaster response in South Aceh continued while investigations into administrative compliance were carried out.

The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasised that the suspension aims to affirm adherence to regulations governing regional leadership behaviour.

Officials highlighted that the case serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on local leaders during crises.