Regional Secretary Ensures Government Operations Continue Following KPK Sting on Rejang Lebong Regent
The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Rejang Lebong District, Iwan Sumantri, has assured that government operations and public services in his jurisdiction will continue functioning normally. This assurance comes following a Sting Operation (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and several other regional officials on Monday 9 March in the evening.
Iwan emphasised that the ongoing legal process at the anti-corruption agency should not serve as grounds for the Civil Service Apparatus (ASN) to shirk their obligation to serve the public.
“We ensure that government operations continue as usual. All regional apparatus organisations (OPD) are requested to continue carrying out their duties and service to the community properly,” Iwan Sumantri stated firmly, citing Antara on Tuesday 10 March.
Iwan instructed all personnel within the Rejang Lebong District Government administration to remain focused on their work and not to be influenced by unverified issues. He guaranteed that bureaucratic stability would remain controlled despite the regional leadership undergoing intensive examination.
Regarding details of the KPK sting operation, Iwan acknowledged that he had not yet received an official report concerning the chronology or confirmed identities of the officials detained. He stated that he had only obtained valid information after dawn prayers.
“For further clarity, we are still awaiting an official statement from the KPK,” he added.
Based on information gathered, the KPK enforcement team detained approximately thirteen individuals in the operation, with nine of them transferred to Jakarta on Tuesday morning. Those detained are suspected of involvement in project bribery practices within the Rejang Lebong District Government.
After issuing a statement to the media, Regional Secretary Iwan Sumantri immediately resumed official duties by leading a coordination meeting with several heads of regional apparatus organisations. The meeting aimed to ensure that regional strategic programmes would continue according to schedule and would not be disrupted by the temporary absence of leadership.
The KPK has a period of one by twenty-four hours to determine the legal status of those detained in the sting operation.