Allowing Public Criticism: Bekasi Mayor Forbids Officials from Closing Social Media Comment Sections

The widespread use of social media in the public sphere is increasingly being utilised by state officials to listen to the aspirations of the community. This is an initiative being spearheaded by the Mayor of Bekasi, Tri Adhianto, to better understand public sentiment.

Mayor Tri Adhianto has urged heads of regional agencies, district heads, and sub-district heads to keep their social media comment sections open as a channel for citizens to provide input and criticism regarding public services. Following the inauguration of Bekasi City Government officials on Friday, Tri emphasised that openness to criticism is a key element in creating transparent, responsive, and accountable public service governance.

“Allow the community to convey constructive criticism and suggestions. Our every move is monitored by the public, so openness must become a part of service accountability,” he stated.

Furthermore, he warned agency leaders against being technologically illiterate, urging them to maximise social media and digital channels to accelerate responses to various citizen complaints. “Sub-district heads, district heads, and heads of departments must not be tech-illiterate. Utilise technology to hear the aspirations of the community while providing rapid service,” he added.

During the event, Tri officially inaugurated 24 officials within the Bekasi City Government environment, including four high-ranking primary officials (Echelon II), 13 administrative officials (Echelon III), and seven supervisory officials (Echelon IV). He noted that this rotation and inauguration were conducted as a form of organisational restructuring to boost the quality of public services.

The newly appointed officials are expected to adapt quickly, foster work innovations, and remain sensitive to the needs of the citizens. Finally, he advised all inaugurated officials to uphold integrity, maintain professionalism, and fulfil their mandates as a form of sincere service to the public.