Chances are now open for regional leaders to become national leaders, especially those who have gained public acceptance. They need to think rightly in terms of national and regional contexts while having the courage and comprehensive insight to advance every region.
“Leaders coming from regions are alternative amidst the crisis in national leadership. The emergence of selected leaders from regions has become a public trend,” said regent of Ende, Drs. Don Bosco M. Wangge, M.Si, in the National Seminar and Reunion of Alumni of MAP UGM entitled “Devising National Leaders from Regions,” in UC UGM on Wednesday (6/11).
Wangge mentioned the regional leader who proved the public of his hard work, namely Governor of Jakarta Special Teritory, Joko Widodo. Joko Widodo who had successfully led Solo and – currently - Jakarta has gained public approval due to his authentic leadership.
“With his habit in going to slums, the popularly called Jokowi has given benefits through policies. This is the character of future Indonesian leaders that prioritise morality and communication with community,” he said.
Similarly, regent of Sorong, Dr. Drs. Stevanus Malak, M.Si, regional leaders are an alternative amidst the national leadership crisis. Meanwhile, political party leaders who emerged since the reform era are considered as not giving significant changes.
“Since the Independence period, Bung Karno had always sought for regional leaders to assist him,” he said.
Unfortunately, currently such leaders are not many. Most of leaders became popular due to media reporting while the ones in demand are those who have resolved issues.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Indonesian Survey Institute, Dr. Kuskridho Ambardi, saw that what is mentioned as leadership crisis is merely a problem of mismatch between supply and demand. Even so, to extend the chance for regional leaders to go to the national level, revisions of regulations are needed.
“Opening of independent mechanism in the regional level can be considered. Presidential or political party laws need to be revised to build an established political career to make regional leaders able to go to the national level,” said Kuskridho.