Karding Warns of Numerous Temptations as Head of Barantin, Stresses This

Bekasi, CNBC Indonesia - This afternoon marked the handover ceremony for the position of Head of the National Quarantine Agency (Barantin) from the previous official, Sahat Manaor Panggabean, to Abdul Kadir Karding.

In his first address as Head of Barantin, Abdul Kadir Karding immediately stressed one primary matter to all his subordinates: integrity. He stated that this message aligns with the instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.

“We must also always remember and adhere to Mr President Prabowo’s directive to always uphold integrity. This is important,” Karding said in his speech at the Handover Ceremony in the Tagor Sutan Harahap Auditorium at BUTTMKHIT, Bekasi, West Java, on Wednesday (29/4/2026).

Karding openly acknowledged that the quarantine sector is an area highly prone to deviant practices. He even mentioned numerous loopholes that could be exploited for personal gain if integrity is not maintained.

“I understand that the Quarantine Agency has many temptations from the accursed devil. This is truly serious. Everything can be turned into money, into gratifications. It can happen. Because besides dealing with people, it involves authority. And that concerns entry and exit permits, certificates, various recommendations,” he said.

He assessed that without a strong commitment from all levels, from leadership to field officers, the agency’s major goals would be difficult to achieve.

“If we do not maintain our integrity, from the top to the frontline in the field, then the aspirations we express are pointless,” he emphasised.

Karding specifically urged all Barantin employees, numbering 5,512, to make integrity the primary principle in their work.

“I kindly ask my team members, who number 5,512, I really ask you, the most important principle in our organisation at Barantin is to uphold integrity,” said Karding.

Furthermore, he stressed that he does not want any practices of ‘seeking favour’ or giving gifts to the leadership. According to him, professionalism is the only thing that will be evaluated.

“I kindly ask, no need to come to me with various gifts, no need. Alhamdulillah, I have been a legislator for five terms, have been a minister, and now head of an agency. Insya Allah, my living needs and my children’s are already fulfilled,” he revealed.

“So if colleagues want to seek favour or get close to me with reciprocations, it will backfire, I will immediately strike back. Don’t! Enough. The important thing is that you are professional, work well, perform excellently, that is what we evaluate. Not on contributions, not on gifts to the agency head. Please remember this,” he continued.

He also emphasised that there will be no compromise on integrity violations within Barantin.

“So there is no compromise on this under me. Yes, perhaps I need money, as a human. But insya Allah, calculating my life for several more decades, my money is still sufficient, without having to ask for gifts from subordinates or employees,” he stressed again.

Nevertheless, Karding acknowledged the importance of employee welfare as part of efforts to prevent deviant practices. He promised to seek legitimate incentive schemes to improve the welfare of officers, especially those in the field.

“Later, regarding welfare, we will think together. We will seek halal incentives so that colleagues working in the field achieve their welfare,” he said.

“I promise I will seek this. This is primary, because it’s impossible for negotiation matters to yield big money if welfare is low; it can be dangerous. Truly dangerous,” he concluded.