walikota

A walikota, or mayor, is the head of a city government in Indonesia. The position leads the executive branch of a kota (city) and is typically supported by a vice mayor. The walikota is responsible for implementing local policies, delivering public services, and coordinating the day-to-day administration of the city.

Elections and terms: Since reforms in the early 2000s, regional heads including walikota are elected directly by residents in regional elections (Pilkada). Mayors serve five-year terms and may be re-elected for one additional term, for a maximum of two terms. If the office becomes vacant, a deputy mayor or an acting head may assume duties, with the governor or other authorities providing interim arrangements as required by law.

Powers and duties: The walikota oversees the city’s executive agencies and departments (SKPD), drafts the city budget, and implements development plans. The mayor proposes local regulations (Perda) and policies to the city’s legislative body, the regional council (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Kota, or DPRD Kota), and oversees public services such as health, education, infrastructure, and urban planning. The walikota also represents the city in intergovernmental relations and national programs.

Relationship with the legislature: The walikota works with the DPRD Kota to approve budgets and local regulations and to exercise oversight of the executive branch. Both branches operate within the framework of national laws and provincial oversight.

Distinctions: The walikota heads a city; a governor (gubernur) heads a province, and a regent (bupati) heads a regency. The decentralized system of Indonesia assigns significant autonomy to regional heads to govern urban areas and deliver services to residents.