Governor Laka Lena Inaugurates 35 Regional Government Leaders, Warns Against Arrogance
Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena inaugurated 35 officials at echelon II level or leaders of Regional Government Organisations (OPD) within the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government (Pemprov NTT). During the inauguration, Laka Lena reminded the officials not to use their positions as displays of arrogance.
The inauguration was based on the Decision of the NTT Governor No. 816.2.1/25/BKD.3.2 concerning the dismissal, appointment, and confirmation of civil servants in senior executive positions.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the El Tari Auditorium in Kupang on Monday, 16 March 2026. In his remarks, Laka Lena emphasised that the inauguration must be understood as a form of service to the public.
“This inauguration should not be used as a display of power. Let us view this inauguration as service to the public,” Laka Lena stated firmly.
He noted that the newly appointed officials serve as the spearhead of the Melki-Johni administration in implementing various priority programmes.
Laka Lena also reminded the OPD leaders to remain alert even as the Eid al-Fitr holiday period approaches.
“As we enter the holiday period, all OPD leaders and departmental heads must be on call, because the global and natural situation being what it is, if summoned we must all gather immediately, in accordance with directives from the President and the Home Affairs Minister,” he explained.
The Golkar politician also emphasised the importance of maintaining professionalism, integrity, and continuing to innovate in carrying out their duties.
“I hope those of you inaugurated today maintain professionalism, foster creativity, uphold integrity, and continue to innovate,” he stated.
He also called on the officials to build cross-sector cooperation, both within government and with district and city authorities, development partners, and the central government.
“Be leaders who set an example, not merely issue instructions. Budget constraints should not become an obstacle for us to work harder in addressing the various problems that exist,” Laka Lena explained.
Furthermore, the OPDs are expected to manage budgets effectively, efficiently, clearly, purposefully, measurably, and with direct impact on the public.
Among the notable appointments were: Yusuf Leri Rupidara, transferred from Head of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises to Governor’s Economic and Development Adviser; Linus Lusi, moving from Governor’s Economic and Development Adviser to Head of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises; Yohanes Oktavianus, from Head of Livestock to General Administration Assistant at the Provincial Secretariat; and Ruth Diana Laiskodat, from Head of Women’s Empowerment to Head of Health Services.
Additionally, 12 existing echelon II officials were confirmed in their current positions, including Zet Sony Libing as Head of Industry, Ambrosius Kodo as Head of Education and Culture, Benyamin Nahak as Head of Public Works and Housing, and Joas Bily Umbu Wanda as Head of Agriculture and Food Security.