Imagine trying to fix deep-rooted problems in your city when you're not even sure where to start. That's the daunting reality for many regional leaders in Indonesia, but recently, 25 of them took a significant step toward finding real solutions. They went straight to the source, learning from a nation renowned for its efficiency: Singapore. But here's where it gets controversial... Is adopting Singapore's model truly the best path for Indonesia, considering their vastly different cultures and contexts?
In early November 2025, these Indonesian Regional Heads participated in an intensive public service study program at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The program featured insights from none other than former Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Singapore's Minister of Defense and Public Service Coordinator, Chan Chun Sing. According to Ace Hasan Syadzily, Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas), the focus was on understanding Singapore's successful implementation of public services across key sectors like education, healthcare, public transportation, and even waste management – areas where many Indonesian regions struggle.
The training was part of the second Leadership Consolidation Course for Regional Leaders (KPPD), a collaborative effort by Lemhannas, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC). The course, running from November 5th to 18th, 2025, aimed to equip these leaders with the knowledge and skills to improve their own regions.
"We delved into how Singapore delivers fundamental services like education, health, waste management, and public transportation," Ace Hasan Syadzily stated at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Central Jakarta on November 18th, 2025. He emphasized that the regional heads benefited from the expertise of academics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS, including direct interaction with Goh Chok Tong and Chan Chun Sing. And this is the part most people miss... the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into practical action. To that end, the Human Resources Development Agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs will work with the regional heads to develop concrete action plans tailored to their specific regions.
"This will be the core focus of the services they'll provide in their respective areas," Ace explained, highlighting that three regional heads are already prioritizing digital transformation, downstreaming of the food sector, and improved waste management in Ambon, Maluku. Lemhannas and the Ministry of Home Affairs will then monitor the implementation of these plans to ensure tangible results.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, pointed out the significant challenges faced by regional governments. They must not only address local needs but also align their programs with overarching national objectives related to economic growth, food security, education, and healthcare. Bima emphasized that effective leadership is crucial to navigate these complexities. "The KPPD program is specifically designed to foster that leadership," he stated at the Ministry of Home Affairs office on the same Tuesday.
Beyond learning best practices in public service delivery from Singapore, the regional heads also received training on ethical conduct. They were strongly encouraged to reject corruption and unethical practices, and to prioritize building and maintaining their integrity. It's a bold move, but can integrity be taught in a classroom?
"We are optimistic that they can all maintain their integrity and focus on the needs of their regions," Bima concluded. But is optimism enough? Can a two-week course truly transform deeply ingrained practices and mindsets? Can these leaders successfully transplant Singaporean models into the Indonesian context? What do you think? Will this initiative lead to real, positive change, or is it just another exercise in bureaucratic box-ticking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
