gubernur

Gubernur is the title of the head of a province’s government in Indonesia and a general term for a provincial governor in Malay-speaking contexts. The word derives from the Dutch-Governor gouverneur via Malay and Indonesian usage.

In Indonesia: The gubernur is the chief executive of a province, responsible for implementing national and provincial policies, coordinating development across regencies and cities, and directing provincial agencies. The governor is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and may be re-elected for one additional term. A deputy governor assists and may assume duties if the governor cannot serve. The governor supervises the provincial administration, proposes the provincial budget (APBD), and signs provincial regulations (Peraturan Gubernur) within its authority, while most lawmaking powers are held by the provincial legislature (DPRD) together with the governor in passing regional regulations (Perda). The governor represents the province to the central government and in intergovernmental affairs, and has ceremonial duties in provincial events.

In other contexts, gubernur denotes the head of a territorial unit and is used in Malay-speaking countries with powers and structures that differ by jurisdiction. Historically, the position has roots in colonial administration and has adapted through decentralization reforms that expanded local self-government.