INDOPOSCO.ID – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto criticized South Aceh Regent Mirwan M.S. for performing the umrah pilgrimage while his region was grappling with flash floods and landslides.
Prabowo delivered the remarks during a coordination meeting at the Integrated Disaster Response Post at Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base (Lanud), Aceh Besar, on Sunday evening (Dec. 7, 2025).
The President initially expressed appreciation to district heads in Aceh Province who attended the meeting alongside central and regional stakeholders.
“Thank you to all the regents who continue to fight for the people. You were elected to face these challenges,” Prabowo said in a video posted on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Sunday night.
Although speaking with a brief laugh as if joking, President Prabowo firmly warned regional leaders against attempting to “escape” during times of crisis.
Prabowo then asked Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, who was present at the meeting, to take decisive action regarding Mirwan.
“If anyone wants to run away, just let them. No problem—remove them immediately. Can you process this, Minister? You can, right?” Prabowo asked.
Drawing from his military background, Prabowo said Mirwan’s actions amounted to “desertion” in military terms—abandoning one’s subordinates in a dangerous situation.
The President then turned to Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, who also serves as Secretary General of the Gerindra Party, asking about Mirwan’s dismissal from the party.
“In the military, that’s called desertion—leaving your troops in a time of danger. That’s unacceptable. I won’t even ask which party he’s from. Have you dismissed him?” Prabowo said.
Based on gathered information, Mirwan M.S. had stated that he was unable to handle the disaster affecting his region, as flash floods and landslides impacted three provinces: Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
However, on December 2, 2025, Mirwan and his wife departed for umrah, drawing public criticism as their region remained under emergency conditions.
On December 5, 2025, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf confirmed that he had never issued any permit for Mirwan to travel for umrah during the ongoing emergency response period.
The Gerindra Party’s Central Executive Board (DPP) subsequently dismissed Mirwan M.S. from his position as chairman of the South Aceh Gerindra Branch Executive Board (DPC). The decision was announced by Gerindra Secretary General Sugiono after receiving reports on Mirwan’s conduct.
“We have decided to remove him from his position as Chairman of the South Aceh DPC. I was informed earlier about the Regent of South Aceh, who also held that post. His attitude and leadership are deeply regrettable,” Sugiono said, as reported by Antara. (aro)
