Bengkulu Provincial Government Insists OPD Must Be Free from Extortion and Gratuities

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - The Bengkulu Provincial Government has emphasised that all Regional Device Organisations (OPD) must be free from illegal levies (pungli) and gratuities in every public service. “There is no pungli in every service at each OPD and no gratuities,” said the Provincial Secretary of Bengkulu, Herwan Antoni, in Bengkulu on Wednesday. This affirmation was delivered by Herwan during the signing of a statement of commitment against pungli and gratuities at the courtyard of the Provincial Industry and Trade Office. The event is a follow-up to a circular from Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan as a concrete step in preventing corrupt practices within the Provincial Government environment. Herwan stressed that the signed commitment must not end as a mere ceremonial activity but must be realised in real actions on the ground. He reminded all OPD ranks to maintain integrity and professionalism in providing services to the public. According to him, clean public services are one of the main keys to building public trust in the local government. With this step, the Bengkulu Provincial Government hopes that all OPD can provide transparent, accountable services free from corrupt practices. Meanwhile, the Head of the Provincial Industry and Trade Office, Desman Siboro, stated that his office is ready to consistently implement the commitment. “Of course, we will conduct supervision and monitoring of all service activities at the Industry and Trade Office and strive to carry it out to the maximum,” said Desman Siboro. He added that internal supervision will be strengthened to ensure there are no loopholes for pungli or gratuity practices within the agency.