End the Sekda controversy, NTB Provincial Government urges focus on development

The NTB Provincial Government has invited the public to halt discussions regarding the position of Secretary to the Regional Government (Sekda), which has been definitively established through a presidential decision. Spokesperson for the NTB Provincial Government, Ahsanul Khalik, in Mataram on Saturday, invited all elements of society to unite and strengthen collaboration in building the region. “The NTB Government appreciates the hopes and criticisms of the public as a form of public participation in ensuring that the direction of development remains on the right track,” he stated. He said that the dynamics of debate regarding the Sekda position is a normal aspect of the democratic system, but it should not drag on. “Differences must become a strength to complement each other. NTB is a shared home,” he added. Ahsanul further stated that public support is greatly needed to strengthen the performance of the regional government, especially now that the bureaucratic structure is complete with the presence of the permanent Sekda. “We invite all of society to together guide the development of NTB to realise shared prosperity,” he said. Previously, on 9 April 2026, Abul Chair was officially inaugurated as the Secretary to the Regional Government of NTB Province. He previously served as Head of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) of East Java. NTB Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal likened the Sekda position now held by Abul Chair to a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a company because it has a strategic role as the main controller of internal bureaucratic affairs at the government level.