Drama in Session: Gowa Regent Walks Out of Inquiry Committee Hearing
Gowa Regent Siti Husniah Talenrang finally appeared before the Gowa DPRD’s Special Committee (Pansus) of Inquiry on Tuesday (14/7), but the session ended in controversy. Shortly after being sworn in, Husniah walked out, claiming her rights as the subject of the inquiry were not being fulfilled.
The hearing was tense from the outset. Committee Chairman Muh Kasim Sila opened the session by reading a statement from Husniah’s extended family, which emphasised the values of integrity and honesty instilled by her parents. He then asked, “Are you willing to provide true, honest, and complete information without concealing any facts?”
Tensions rose when Husniah requested that all questions from committee members be submitted collectively rather than in turns, arguing this would allow her to provide thorough and straightforward answers. The request was immediately rejected, with a committee member stating that the hearing mechanism was the DPRD’s domain and had been regulated according to agreed procedures. Husniah protested, feeling her rights had been disregarded, and subsequently left the room.
Outside the chamber, her legal team spoke out. Counsel Amirullah Mappaero’ stated that Husniah had been prepared to answer but was treated unfairly, noting that previous witnesses, including her former husband, were examined in closed sessions, a request denied to her. “The DPRD says it is not interested in the private domain, but in fact the questions always lead there,” he said. Another lawyer, Ari Dumais, cited Article 128 of Law No. 1 of 2024, which allows a subject to provide answers either in writing or orally, arguing the committee should have accommodated the request for collective questions.
Committee Chairman Kasim Sila expressed disappointment, calling the walkout decision unsubstantial and a missed golden opportunity for clarification. With the Regent’s departure, the examination agenda was cancelled. The Pansus will now determine its next steps, including the possibility of summoning Husniah again. The committee was formed to investigate three alleged irregularities: a problematic free school uniform procurement programme, the revocation of a doctoral scholarship for Risqila Amran, and alleged disgraceful conduct linked to the Regent.