Tensions Arise Between Lebak Regent and Deputy Regent During Halal Bihalal

Relations between Lebak Regent Hasbi Jayabaya and Deputy Regent Amir Hamzah became tense following the Halal Bihalal moment for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H with civil servants (ASN) at the Lebak Regency Pendopo, Banten, on Monday morning (30/3). The tension today began when Hasbi gave a speech in front of the ASN, alluding to Amir who frequently calls officials in the regency government to meet. According to Hasbi, this is not permitted and violates Article 66 of the ASN Law. Not stopping there, Hasbi then mocked Amir Hamzah for being fortunate to hold the position of Deputy Regent of Lebak. Moreover, he added, given Amir’s position as an ex-convict. Amir Hamzah is known to have been ensnared by the KPK in the 2013 Lebak Regency election dispute case alongside Tb Chaeri Wardhana alias TCW and former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Akil Mochtar. In that case, he was sentenced to 3 years and 5 months in prison by the panel of judges on 21 December 2015. “Don’t get me wrong, that was indeed my intonation like that. If not, it’s appreciation. A former inmate who becomes a high-achieving deputy regent, that means it’s an achievement,” said Hasbi. Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah disagreed with what Hasbi did. During the Halal Bihalal event at the Lebak Regency Pendopo, he tried to remind Hasbi, who is younger than Amir. However, his step was stopped by the employees and his family who were present. Suspected of not accepting Hasbi’s words, Amir chose to leave the regent’s office and go home with his family. According to Amir, the regent’s statement is a form of insult to him. Amir said Hasbi’s remarks were deemed unworthy of a regent, as they touched on his personal side and were done in front of many people. “For example, in his speech, the Regent mentioned me, Si Amir to the agency, mentioning ‘you’, but I consider that impoliteness still considered normal. But when he says Si Amir former prisoner is still lucky to be deputy regent, that’s personal humiliation,” said Amir Hamzah to reporters at his residence later. Amir recounted that Hasbi has repeatedly done similar things, but he could still be patient facing the Regent who is younger than him. “Honestly, I feel humiliated because in public he talks about personal matters with no relation to work. This is already the second time, and to several agencies it’s quite frequent to speak in an inappropriate manner during meetings,” he explained.