Malang Regent Appoints Son as Department Head, UGM Expert Reminds of Ethics and Propriety

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Public policy management expert from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Agustinus Subarsono, has reminded that the filling of public official positions must also be based on ethics and values of propriety, not solely on meritocracy and legal formalities.

This was stated by Agustinus in response to the appointment of Malang Regent M Sanusi’s son, Ahmad Dzulfikar Nurrahman, as head of the Environmental Office of Malang Regency, East Java, which has drawn scrutiny from academics.

“Formally, meritocracy is the basis, but is that sufficient? In my view, no. Bureaucratic behaviour is not only regulated by formal law as stated by Max Weber, but must also be grounded in ethics and the principle of propriety in society,” said Subarsono when contacted by Kompas.com on Sunday (19/4/2026).

He explained that from an ethical perspective, the appointment of a child by a regional head has the potential to create a conflict of interest.

“The question is, does this meet moral accountability? Bureaucratic practices in developing countries, including Indonesia, still tend to stop at the legal-procedural level and have not touched the substance,” he said.

Although it does not violate regulations, the move is deemed morally improper.

From a political viewpoint, Agustinus assesses that the public may interpret the policy as an effort to strengthen networks of power and political loyalty, even opening opportunities for the formation of political dynasties.

Meanwhile, from a sociological perspective, he sees such practices as often considered normal in societies still steeped in patronage culture where family ties frequently form the basis of trust in the distribution of power.

“However, if left unchecked, nepotistic culture can flourish and potentially degrade the quality of democracy,” said Agustinus.

The appointment has drawn public attention because one of the officials sworn in is his biological son, Ahmad Dzulfikar Nurrahman, as Head of the Environmental Office.

In response to the public attention, Dzulfikar admitted understanding the public’s unease given his status as the regent’s son.

“Of course, I understand if the public questions the quality of public officials as servants of society,” said Dzulfikar via short message on Thursday (16/4/2026).

He also expressed an apology for the appointment sparking public attention.

However, Dzulfikar emphasised that he would answer the criticism through performance.