# Indonesian Official Faces Scrutiny for Umrah Trip During Disaster Response
Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs is investigating allegations that the Regent of South Aceh, Mirwan MS, undertook a religious pilgrimage to umrah while his region was grappling with a recent disaster. The inquiry extends beyond the regent to include all individuals connected to the trip and its funding, raising questions about leadership priorities during critical times.
A senior official stated on Monday, December 8, 2025, that the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a full review. “Is it true that the Umrah pilgrimage took place, with whom, and where the funding originated – these are important questions,” the official explained. “The inspection will not be limited to the Regent of South Aceh, but will encompass all related personnel and the source of funds. This process may take several days.”
Repeated Warnings Ignored
The Ministry of Home Affairs asserts it had repeatedly warned regional leaders to prepare for potential disasters.According to the official, these warnings were delivered through various channels, including meetings, official circulars, and direct dialogue.”When the BMKG (Indonesia’s meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency) issued a warning, the Minister of Home Affairs had already issued directions,” the official said.”Another circular followed, and even after the incident occurred, the Regent of Aceh was again reminded by the Ministry of Home Affairs. We continuously reinforced this message.”
The official further emphasized the responsibility of regional heads and their respective parties to ensure adequate oversight. “regional leaders should have been fully aware of these directives, and party leaders should have supervised their members accordingly,” they stated.
Presidential rebuke and Potential Consequences
President Prabowo Subianto publicly rebuked Mirwan MS for leaving his post during a time of need. At a meeting on accelerating disaster management in Sumatra on Sunday, December 7, 2025, held at Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Base in Aceh Besar, Aceh, President Subianto reportedly demanded action.The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, caused widespread flooding and landslides in South Aceh, displacing thousands and damaging critical infrastructure.
President subianto’s frustration was palpable during the disaster management meeting.He reportedly stated, “If you want to run, run aja,” – a colloquial expression suggesting those who abandon their duties should simply leave. He further indicated a willingness to remove Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian if necessary to address the situation.
“It’s okay, the Minister of Home Affairs can be removed, yes, it will be processed,” President Subianto reportedly said. He drew a stark comparison to military desertion, stating, “That’s if soldiers deserted and were in danger of leaving their men behind, that’s not possible. I’m sorry, I don’t want to ask which party.”
Why did this happen? Regent Mirwan MS allegedly prioritized a personal religious pilgrimage (Umrah) over his duties to lead disaster response efforts in South Aceh following severe flooding and landslides. Who was involved? Key figures include Regent Mirwan MS, President Prabowo Subianto, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the affected residents of South Aceh. What occurred? Mirwan MS undertook an Umrah trip during the disaster, prompting a formal investigation and strong public criticism from the President. How did it end? The Ministry of Home Affairs launched a full investigation into the trip’s funding and participants,while President Subianto threatened to remove the Home Affairs Minister if the situation wasn’t addressed. The investigation is ongoing as of December 8, 2025, with potential consequences for Mirwan MS and potentially Minister Karnavian.