Following KPK Operation, Hendri Praja Officially Assumes Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong
The Interior Minister (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian has officially appointed Deputy Regent Hendri Praja as Acting Regent (Plt) of Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu Province, on Saturday, 14 March. This strategic step was taken to fill the leadership vacuum following Regent Muhammad Fikri’s designation as a suspect after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a raids operation on Monday, 9 March.
The handover of mandate was carried out directly by Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian in the Rejang Lebong Regent’s office conference room. Mian emphasised that this appointment was an instruction from the central government through the Interior Minister’s radiogram to ensure governance stability in the region.
Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian expressed deep concern over the legal case affecting the Rejang Lebong district government. However, he stressed that public interest must remain the top priority above the legal developments occurring.
“Today, on behalf of Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan, I convey the Interior Minister’s radiogram which mandates the Deputy Regent to carry out the duties and authority as Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong,” said Mian.
He expressed hope that the appointment would keep the situation in Rejang Lebong conducive. “Service to the public and the functioning of government must not stagnate,” he affirmed.
At the location, the atmosphere during the mandate letter handover was emotionally charged. Acting Regent Hendri Praja even paused whilst delivering remarks as he could not hold back tears when receiving the significant responsibility amidst the legal turmoil affecting his colleague.
“In accordance with Law Number 23 of 2014, when a regional head is temporarily unable to serve, the deputy regional head shall carry out those duties. This is a challenging test for all parties,” said Hendri.
Hendri called upon all elements of society to respond to the situation with wisdom and maintain unity. He committed fully to ensuring a healthy bureaucracy and maximum performance.
“The most important matter is to ensure the wheels of government continue to turn, public services are not interrupted, and regional development continues. We must not be consumed by these circumstances,” he concluded.