Gowa DPRD Summons Regent for 14 July Inquiry Hearing

The Special Committee (Pansus) of the Gowa Regency DPRD, South Sulawesi, has scheduled a summons for Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang at a continuation of the inquiry hearing to be held on Tuesday, 14 July. “Yes, God willing, on Tuesday, 14 July at 09.00 WITA,” said Special Committee Chair Kasim Sila to CNNIndonesia.com on Thursday (9/7). Kasim explained that the summons for Regent Husniah Talenrang was solely to provide information regarding a number of controversies in Gowa Regency. “The Regent is being asked to provide information or clarification,” he said. During the DPRD inquiry process, the special committee has invited several individuals to give testimony, including a journalist, Saenal Abidin, and the Head of the Gowa Transportation Agency, Agussalim Harahap. These two individuals were previously reported by the Regent to the police for allegedly providing false statements. Previously, Husniah claimed she had not yet received a summons for the clarification hearing held by the Gowa DPRD. “As of now, there has been none,” Husniah told reporters on Monday (6/7). However, Husniah stated she is ready to attend the DPRD inquiry hearing if the special committee schedules it and issues the invitation. “I am ready to attend at any time. Because a regional head also has other mandatory activities to attend,” she said. According to Husniah, the regency government and the Gowa DPRD must maintain good coordination. She also expressed hope that the inquiry hearing could resolve the current issues. “I still respect my colleagues in the DPRD, in this case the special committee, in carrying out their duties, to resolve this issue so it does not spread and have a negative impact on the Gowa regency government,” she explained. The ongoing DPRD inquiry is focusing on three issues: alleged abuse of authority in the revocation of doctoral scholarships, alleged irregularities in the procurement of free school uniforms, and alleged disgraceful conduct related to regional governance. The Regent has also reported the DPRD inquiry process to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) on Thursday (2/7). The complaint was filed by a team calling themselves the legal representatives of the Gowa community, arguing that the inquiry’s subject matter had entered the private domain, including allegations of immoral conduct that were broadcast live.