Governor Dedi Mulyadi: Indramayu Regent Lucky Hakim Has Apologised

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - The Regent of Indramayu, Lucky Hakim, has issued an apology to the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi. The apology pertains to Lucky's recreational trip to Japan during the Eid holiday without seeking permission from the governor or the Minister of Home Affairs.

Previously, the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, criticized Lucky Hakim through a post on his personal TikTok account. Dedi shared a photo of Lucky Hakim while he was in Japan.

"Happy Holidays, Mr. Lucky Hakim. Next time you go to Japan, let us know first, okay." The video was uploaded on Sunday (6/4/2025) and has been viewed 6.7 million times to date.

"I have communicated with the Regent of Indramayu via WhatsApp at that time. He has conveyed his apology," said Dedi Mulyadi at Gedung Sate, the West Java Governor's Office, Tuesday morning (8/4/2025).

Dedi stated that he had resumed online communication via Zoom with Lucky Hakim on Monday evening. Lucky admitted that his trip to Japan was to fulfill his children's wishes.

Dedi also reminded Lucky not to forget his status as a state official. Holding this position means he is bound by state regulations.

"We (state officials) have the right to provide happiness for children. The children of officials do not have to vacation in Japan but can also do so in the areas where they are assigned," he stated.

He also stated that the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) would examine Lucky regarding his unauthorized trip to Japan. The West Java Provincial Government is awaiting the results of the investigation.

The maximum sanction that can be obtained in the violation is a temporary suspension for three months. The deputy regional head will later replace the duties of the regional head who is sanctioned.

"Lucky's examination by the Inspector General of the Ministry of Home Affairs is a warning to all regional heads in West Java not to repeat similar things," he stressed.

In the publication Kompas.id Monday (7/4/2025), Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto stated¹ that he would summon Lucky. This is to ask for an explanation regarding his trip to Japan.

Bima emphasized that there are regulations prohibiting regional heads or their deputies from traveling abroad without permission from the Minister of Home Affairs in Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government.

"We will ask for an explanation from the Regent of Indramayu. Maybe the regional head retreat time missed understanding the explanation of the Minister of Home Affairs regarding the obligations and prohibitions for regional heads," said Bima Arya.

Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR from the Democratic Party Faction, Dede Yusuf Macan Effendi, who was contacted on Monday, also regretted Lucky's vacation to Japan.

"It is understandable that some people want to spend Eid holidays with their families. However, regional heads have a tough job during Eid. First, in terms of managing homecoming routes and human movement, especially in areas that are homecoming routes," he said.