Central Java Secretary Stresses Cross-Checking Attendance After 9 Brebes Civil Servants Named Suspects in Fictitious Absenteeism Case

Central Java Provincial Secretary Sumarno has commented on the naming of nine civil servants from the Brebes Regency Government as suspects in a fictitious absenteeism case. According to Sumarno, the case should serve as a lesson that the presence of civil servants in their work environment must be cross-checked and not rely entirely on applications.

Sumarno admitted he did not yet know whether fictitious absenteeism cases like the one in Brebes had occurred in other regions. However, he confirmed that for civil servants within the Central Java Provincial Government, their presence at work is not always based solely on the digital attendance system.

‘In the province, we always have colleagues doing cross-checks. So we do not just rely on the application, but superiors must also supervise,’ Sumarno said during an interview in Magelang regarding the naming of nine Brebes Regency civil servants as suspects in the fictitious absenteeism case on Sunday.

He explained that sanctions for the nine civil servants in the Brebes Regency Government would typically be imposed once there is a court ruling with permanent legal force. ‘We will see what the court decides. Regarding employment sanctions or disciplinary punishment, there are many levels. It must be assessed,’ he said.

Sumarno added that a team would later assess what sanctions are appropriate for the civil servants involved. ‘The one who will impose the sanctions is the regional head,’ he stated.

He then reminded civil servants in Central Java to always maintain their integrity. ‘I often tell colleagues that we receive salaries and allowances not just because of our appointment decree, and not even just for attendance, but we are talking about the activities we must carry out. That is what I often remind my fellow civil servants,’ Sumarno said.