Lebak Regent Visits Deputy Regent's Home, Conflict Deemed Resolved

Lebak Regent in Banten, Hasbi Jayabaya, visited the home of Deputy Regent Amir Hamzah on Wednesday (1/4). The pair were seen shaking hands following tensions that emerged during the halal bihalal event at the Lebak Regency Hall in Banten on Monday (30/3). Hasbi explained his reasons for visiting the deputy regent’s home. “I was emboldened to come to Mr Deputy’s home because I see him not only as the deputy regent but also as a senior, like a parent,” Hasbi told the media. Hasbi appreciated Amir Hamzah’s gracious reception despite being offended by his remarks in front of civil servants (ASN) at the halal bihalal earlier this week. The Lebak Regent promised to improve his communication to be more polite in the future, avoiding any further disruptions. “I told Mr Deputy that what happened yesterday was my responsibility,” he clarified. Additionally, Hasbi pledged to work better in the future to develop Lebak Regency together with Amir Hamzah. “I have conveyed to the Deputy Regent that we must return to a conducive atmosphere for the interests of Lebak’s people and the local government,” he explained. On that occasion, Hasbi stated that Amir Hamzah is not just the deputy regent, but he also considers him a parent and senior in government. Hasbi thanked Amir Hamzah for understanding, given the excessive attitude and words. “First as deputy regent, second as a senior understanding the situation, but we have agreed to prioritise the people’s interests, and the personal matters between Hasbi and Mr Amir are now settled,” he said. The relationship between Hasbi and Amir had tensed due to the regent’s statement alluding to the deputy regent’s status as a former corruption convict during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H halal bihalal with civil servants (ASN) at the Lebak Regency Hall in Banten on Monday (30/3) morning. Amir Hamzah, who was angry at the time, left the regency hall accompanied by several people. The video went viral on social media. It became a national concern due to its virality, leading Banten Governor Andra Soni and the PDIP party, which supports the regional leaders, to intervene.