Observer Appreciates Bandung Regent's Calm Demeanour Amidst Various Issues
National political observer M Khotib has expressed appreciation for the calm and patient attitude of the Regent of Bandung, Dadang Supriatna (KDS), in facing the wave of issues currently targeting him on social media. According to Khotub, rather than engaging in verbal retaliation or launching counter-attacks against those spreading slander, KDS has chosen to remain focused on working for the people and maintaining the functions of government.
Khotib stated that in the political arena, a leader is tested not only by their ability to design programmes and manage government but also by how they handle pressure, accusations, criticism, and even personal attacks that are sometimes delivered with harsh and unethical language. “In that context, Regent KDS’s attitude deserves appreciation. Amidst various allegations regarding suspected corruption, abuse of authority, and nepotism directed at him, KDS has chosen to remain calm, resilient, and not easily provoked,” Khotib told the media on Sunday (2/8/2026).
According to Khotib, some of the accusations directed at KDS have even been accompanied by harsh, disrespectful language that tends to attack personal honour. However, he noted that KDS did not respond with anger or choose to engage in public disputes or displays of chaos. The researcher from a survey institute remarked that KDS is demonstrating the leadership quality of understanding that not every provocation requires a response and not every attack must be countered.
“There are times when remaining silent, patient, and continuing to work is the most dignified response. I salute KDS; he remains calm and patient,” said Khotib. Regarding the various allegations currently attracting public attention, KDS has chosen to entrust them to the ongoing legal process. Khotib emphasised that the truth or falsehood of an accusation cannot be determined by the loudest voices, mass pressure, social media snippets, or unilateral judgement. “Everything must be proven based on facts, evidence, and legitimate legal mechanisms. The presumption of innocence must be respected. A person should not be deemed guilty simply because they have been accused, mentioned, or repeatedly attacked in the public sphere,” he added.
Khotib assessed that KDS’s decision not to waver in the face of these allegations demonstrates his confidence in the legal process. He praised KDS for not attempting to counter the accusations with new disturbances, as the Regent prefers to continue his duties during his second term. “I see that for KDS, the time and energy of a regional head is too precious to be spent merely serving provocations that offer no direct benefit to the community. That is an extraordinary attitude,” Khotib remarked.
He advised KDS to continue focusing on serving the people of Bandung Regency, as there is much work to be done, ranging from infrastructure development and the improvement of public services to education, health, job creation, and the strengthening of the local economy. “The people certainly need their Regent to work rather than being busy exchanging words with those attacking him. The people need policies, not chaos,” he said.
Khotib noted that the people of Bandung Regency are waiting for development results rather than witnessing political disputes and malicious slander. KDS himself admitted to being accustomed to facing pressure and provocation since his first term. Khotib believes this experience has shaped his emotional and political maturity, understanding that higher office brings greater tests. While acknowledging that criticism is a legitimate part of democracy and oversight is necessary, Khotib distinguished criticism from insults, stating that democracy loses its dignity when political differences are expressed through harsh words, threats, or unverified accusations.