Interior Minister Appoints Deputy Regent Hendri Praja as Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong
Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu — Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has appointed Deputy Regent Hendri Praja of Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu Province, as Acting Regent (Plt) following the temporary inactivation of Regent Muhammad Fikri, who was designated as a suspect in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) anti-corruption operation in the region on Monday evening, 9 March.
Deputy Governor of Bengkulu H Mian, whilst presenting the Acting Regent’s letter of authority and powers to Deputy Regent Hendri Praja during a ceremony at Rejang Lebong Regency headquarters on Saturday, stated that the Bengkulu Provincial Government shared concern over the legal matters affecting the Rejang Lebong Regency administration.
“Today, on behalf of Governor Helmi Hasan of Bengkulu and together with the Provincial Secretariat, I am conveying the Interior Minister’s radiogram, signed by the Secretary General of the Interior Ministry, which grants the Deputy Regent of Rejang Lebong the mandate to carry out the duties and powers of Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong,” he said.
Mian explained that the Interior Minister’s radiogram was also followed up with a letter from the Bengkulu Governor granting the Deputy Regent the mandate to perform the duties and powers of Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong.
With this appointment, he stated, the wheels of government, development, and public services in Rejang Lebong Regency are expected to continue functioning smoothly and harmoniously.
“The Bengkulu Provincial Government is deeply concerned about the legal troubles that have befallen the Rejang Lebong Regency administration. However, in accordance with applicable regulations, public services and government operations cannot be allowed to stall,” he emphasised.
Acting Regent Hendri Praja, upon taking the oath, delivered his remarks in an emotional atmosphere, pausing several times as he struggled to hold back tears whilst receiving the responsibility to carry out the duties and powers of Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong.
“In accordance with Law Number 23 of 2014 on Regional Government and its amendments, it is stated that when a regional head is temporarily unable to serve, the deputy regional head carries out the duties and powers of the regional head until further direction from the government,” said Hendri.
He noted that the situation unfolding in Rejang Lebong Regency represents a difficult trial for all parties involved, and therefore called upon all segments of society to respond to the circumstances with wisdom whilst maintaining unity.
“In life, we are taught that every trial contains wisdom. Therefore, let us face this situation with calm hearts, clear minds, and steadfast conviction,” he remarked.
He emphasised that the most important matter in the current situation is ensuring that government operations continue to function, public services do not cease, regional development is sustained, and that the community does not become preoccupied by these circumstances.