The simultaneous inauguration of 961 regional heads and their deputies on February 20, 2025, held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, marks an important moment in Indonesia’s governance history. This is the first time in Indonesia’s history that regional heads have been inaugurated simultaneously, covering 33 governors, 33 deputy governors, 363 regents, 362 deputy regents, 85 mayors, and 85 deputy mayors.

During the ceremony, the regional heads walked together toward the Presidential Palace, accompanied by a marching band from the National Institute of Public Administration (IPDN), symbolizing the closeness and unity between the central government and regional administrations. This inauguration is not just a ceremonial event, but also a declaration of reform in regional government management, which is a key element in Indonesia’s efforts to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045, often referred to as “Indonesia Emas” (Golden Indonesia).

It is important to understand that this simultaneous inauguration is the first step toward more efficient and coordinated governance. Additionally, local governments (Pemda) play a central role in realizing the vision of Indonesia Semesta 2045, as national development cannot proceed without synergy between the central and regional governments.

With decentralization policies, local governments are directly responsible for improving the welfare of the people through the management of regional resources, quality public services, and the creation of a competitive economic ecosystem. A major challenge here is ensuring that regional governments are clean, transparent, and free from corruption practices.

Therefore, the leadership of the newly inaugurated regional heads must be focused on inclusive development, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to balance global challenges with local community needs. Local governments must also play their role as engines of innovative and efficient development. Infrastructure improvement, strengthening the education and health sectors, and optimizing regional economic potential should be priorities in the policies implemented.

One strong message delivered by President Prabowo Subianto in his speech during the event was that the position of regional head is a “mandate from the people.” This message is highly relevant, as regional heads have a strategic position in the national development process. They are not only administrative managers but also leaders who must accommodate the interests of the people and formulate policies that can drive the welfare of society.

In this context, the position of regional head is more than just a position of power; it is a mandate that must be carried out with full responsibility. Regional heads are reminded to realize that their position is not for personal or group interests, but to serve the people and develop their regions toward progress.

Indonesia faces several major challenges in facing the Indonesia Semesta 2045 era, and one of the most fundamental is efficient government administration free from corruption. In this context, the simultaneous inauguration of regional heads can be seen as part of an effort to improve the state administration system and ensure that regional governments operate in a more integrated manner, in accordance with national policies.

With better coordination between the central and regional governments, it is hoped that stronger synergy will be created in implementing development programs aimed at reducing regional disparities and maximizing local economic potential. This will directly contribute to accelerating the achievement of Indonesia’s long-term development targets.

To achieve these goals, a strong commitment from regional heads is required to implement clean and transparent governance. In this sense, “clean” does not only mean free from corruption practices, but also includes efficient management, targeted budget use, and public services that prioritize the public interest. Clean and transparent governance will create greater public trust in government institutions and strengthen democracy at the regional level.

Public trust is crucial in creating an environment conducive to sustainable development and providing space for active public participation in political decision-making. On the other hand, clean governance also means that regional heads must maintain their integrity in carrying out government duties and functions. They must uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in every policy they implement.

Clean governance is also closely related to improving the quality of public services. In an increasingly digitalized era, effective and efficient public services are essential in building better relationships between the government and society. Furthermore, a clean governance system will create a more conducive environment for investment and regional economic growth, which, in turn, will have a positive impact on national development.

Thus, the simultaneous inauguration of regional heads is not only about the transition of regional leadership but also a symbol of the determination to build cleaner, more transparent, and effective governance. In this way, Indonesia can step more confidently toward the grand goal of achieving Indonesia Semesta 2045.

This process requires commitment from all elements of government, both at the central and regional levels, to work together with the same goal: to realize an Indonesia that is prosperous and just for all its people, based on the ideology of Pancasila.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, is a member of the Expert Council of BPIP RI in the field of Geopolitics and Government Management Geostrategy.