Bupati

Bupati is the head of a regency (kabupaten) in Indonesia, the second-level administrative division below a province. The bupati leads the regency government, representing the central government at the regency level in certain matters and coordinating policy implementation across local agencies. The office is typically supported by a deputy regent (wakil bupati) and a regional secretary (sekretaris daerah) who oversee the regency’s administrative machinery.

Election and tenure methods have changed over time. Since direct local elections were expanded in the early 2000s, bupati are elected by residents of the regency for five-year terms and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The deputy regent is elected on the same ticket. Before the shift to direct elections, regents were appointed by the central or provincial government.

Powers and responsibilities of the bupati include implementing national and provincial policies at the regency level, drafting and executing the regency development plan and budget, and issuing local regulations within their delegated competencies. They oversee the administration of regency agencies, deliver public services, manage civil service affairs, and coordinate sector programs in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, economy, and public order. The bupati also represents the regency in dealings with the provincial government and other levels of government.

Relationship to other government levels is hierarchical but collaborative. The regency operates under provincial policy and supervision, while the regional legislative council (DPRD Kabupaten) approves local regulations and budgets. The governor and provincial authorities provide oversight, and the bupati may be subject to investigation or replacement in cases of misconduct or legal issues. The role remains central to translating national and provincial priorities into local development outcomes.