Cilacap regent moves to thwart contenders

Cilacap regent moves to thwart contenders

Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap

Herry Tabri, the incumbent regent of Cilacap in Central Java, has made good on his recent threat to replace any subordinate trying to challenge his reelection bid in October.

At least three local government officials -- head of the Cilacap development planning agency (Bappeda) Budi Handoko, head of the town's revenue office (Dipenda) Sayidi and another senior executive Soeprihono -- were the victims.

They were suddenly removed from their posts on Thursday for deciding to nominate themselves for the regency's electoral race.

The replacement ceremony was held just one day after the three officials handed in registration forms on Wednesday to tender their nominations.

Earlier, Herry told a meeting of local officials that he would contest the October race for reelection and shake up the positions of those trying to challenge him.

"Once I am reelected as regent for a second five-year term in office, I will assign those who take part in nominating themselves for the election for whatever jobs I want," he said.

The sudden replacement sparked criticism on Friday from other senior officials and councillors in Cilacap, who blasted the regent as undemocratic.

Cilacap legislative council speaker Fran Lukman said Herry's move to replace the three officials preparing to contest the regent election was a "haphazard policy".

"It's illogical for Pak Herry to make such a decision. I am sure that it was politically motivated because the three officials who will contest the election were all fired," deputy council speaker Thohirin Bahri said.

A local unnamed government executive said: "The decision has really shocked us. It's like lightning in the morning. Many officials were surprised to receive an invitation to attend the replacement ceremony".

Defending his move, Herry said the replacement was part of efforts to reorganize bureaucrats and denied that it was related to the upcoming regent election by the local council.

Handoko, Soeprihono and Sayidi are among several dozen local figures who plan to contest the October race since the registration opened on Monday.

As of Friday, at least 53 people had registered to run for the top executive post in the Central Java regency.