Gowa Regent Rejects Special Committee Inquiry, Citing Privacy Violations

Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang has rejected the direction of a special committee inquiry (pansus hak angket) by the Gowa Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), stating it has encroached upon her private domain and is unrelated to public policy. While stressing that she respects the oversight duties of council members, she insisted that the inquiry must remain within the corridor of public interest. “I greatly respect the duties and obligations of council members in carrying out their oversight function, but I firmly object if the inquiry deviates into personal matters that are not connected to public policy,” Sitti said in Gowa on Wednesday. She declared her readiness to face any legal process arising from the dispute and asserted that every individual’s right to privacy must be respected, including by those exercising oversight functions. She argued that excessive intervention into personal life could violate regulations and ethics. The regent also highlighted concerns regarding witness testimony during the inquiry, particularly the involvement of a journalist as a witness. “Regarding the testimony of several witnesses in the inquiry, including the involvement of a journalist as a witness, I question its legality. I remind you that under Law Number 40 of 1999 on the Press, a journalist should not serve as a witness in a special committee or inquiry hearing because it contravenes the journalistic code of ethics,” she said. Sitti also refuted claims about the frequency of her meetings with a witness identified by the initial E, clarifying that they met only once, during a communal breaking-of-the-fast event with the media at her official residence. She emphasised that she always communicates wisely and denied any specific discussions as suggested by circulating narratives. “The claim that the witness frequently met and discussed certain matters is not factual,” she explained. Sitti stated she is prepared to provide clarification and present concrete facts to prove the accusations against her are untrue. The Gowa Regent underscored her position as a single parent fully responsible for her child and declared that any narrative deemed to malign her character would be contested through legal channels. She confirmed she is already accompanied by a legal team to take necessary steps, both during and after the inquiry process, depending on how the situation develops. Despite acknowledging disruptions caused by the issues aired publicly, Sitti assured that the administration of Gowa Regency continues to function properly and that the controversy must not disrupt public services or local governance.