The Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency government is taking significant steps to promote effective leadership and governance with the active participation of its officials at various national gatherings. One such gathering is the retreat held in Magelang, Central Java, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of selected local leaders.
Bupati H. Muchendi Mahzareki, one of the leaders attending this retreat, expressed enthusiasm for the learning opportunities it brings. On February 24, 2025, he stated, “Alhamdulillah retreat ini menambah wawasan dan ilmu pengetahuan terkait isu nasional hingga global,” effectively communicating his gratitude for the insights provided. During these gatherings, leaders are exposed to discussions on domestic and international issues relevant to their roles.
Muchendi emphasized the importance of gaining national awareness, noting the contributions from speakers affiliated with the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) and other national figures. He remarked, “Kita diberikan wawasan untuk menjadi pemimpin global dengan tetap mempertahankan karakter nasional.” This highlights his commitment to integrating global leadership qualities with national characteristics, aiming to strengthen governance practices.
The retreat, taking place from February 21 to February 28, 2025, serves not only as educational but also as a platform for fostering strong relationships among local government heads, thereby enhancing cooperation between the central and regional governments. Muchendi pointed out, “Dengan demikian akan mempererat kerjasama dan penguatan pemerintahan dari pusat hingga ke daerah,” which reflects his belief in collaboration across various levels of government.
Adding more depth to the discussions, Indonesia's Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, addressed the participants during the third day of the retreat. She engaged with questions from regional leaders about financial strategies and the sustaining of infrastructure projects. Muchendi relayed, “...hampir rata-rata aspirasi kepala daerah ingin efisiensi bidang Infrastruktur untuk ditinjau ulang dan program infrastruktur tetap berjalan,” indicating the pressing need for efficient infrastructure development plans.
Meanwhile, back at the OKI Regency, Sekda OKI, Ashmar Wijaya, was actively reinforcing the need for budget efficiency and support for the newly elected administration's programs during the morning assembly held on February 24, 2025. He stated the urgency of examining the budget execution for all government departments, emphasizing, “Pertama, terkait dengan efisiensi anggaran sesuai surat edaran yang telah kami sampaikan ke seluruh OPD... Rencana Kerja (RK) dan target 100 hari,” showing clear directives for the local bureaucracies.
He acknowledged the significant collaboration required from all government regions to support the newly elected Bupati Muchendi and his Vice Bupati, V. Supriyanto. “Mari kita dukung dan support karena kita tidak bisa bekerja sendiri,” he urged, calling for communal support from the citizens for the new administration's vision and mission.
Long-term success hinges on recognition and response to public inclination for changes, so it is key for the new leaders to address aspirations articulated during sessions like the recent retreat. The synergy between provincial fiscal regulations and infrastructure project implementation will be pivotal for Ogan Komering Ilir moving forward.
Following the retreat, there are high hopes for Bupati Muchendi to return equipped with beneficial insights to implement and govern effectively. Sekda OKI encouraged colleagues and citizens to continue to offer support, stating, “...mendoakan kelancaran kegiatan tersebut agar Bupati OKI dapat kembali dan segera melaksanakan tugasnya dengan pembekalan yang bermanfaat bagi Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir.”
With initiatives like these retreats, the OKI Regency demonstrates its commitment to enhancing governance and aligning local priorities with national directives. Both the retreat and the administrative directions outlined by Sekda signify dedication to building infrastructure, community well-being, and effective leadership—a collective effort aiming for the future of Ogan Komering Ilir.