Three Parties Set to Compete for Deputy Governor Position in West Sulawesi

The position of Deputy Governor of West Sulawesi (Sulbar) remains vacant to this day following the passing of Salim S Mengga in January. It is reported that the Demokrat Party, NasDem Party, and PKS, as the supporting parties for the regional head pair, will propose candidates for the deputy governor position. Governor Suhardi Duka has assured that the Deputy Governor position will be filled again due to the vacancy occurring before the term reaches two and a half years. “After the legality and administrative processes are completed, two names will be submitted to the DPRD for selection,” said Suhardi on Thursday (2/4). The three supporting parties—namely the Demokrat Party, NasDem Party, and PKS—will play a role in proposing candidates. However, in accordance with the provisions, only two names will be submitted to the DPRD for selection through a voting mechanism. Suhardi Duka stated that political communication between the regional government, supporting parties, and the DPRD is important so that the proposed candidates align with legislative aspirations. “We will also consider public voices, political parties, and regional geopolitical aspects,” he explained. Suhardi Duka hopes that this leadership transition process will not disrupt the running of government and development in Sulbar. “We want to ensure that public services continue to operate, governmental stability is maintained, and development programmes proceed on time and on target,” he said. Meanwhile, the West Sulawesi Provincial DPRD held a plenary session to announce the proposal for the honourable dismissal of the Deputy Governor of Sulbar for the 2025-2030 term. This process refers to several regulations, including Law No. 23 of 2014 on Regional Governance, Law No. 10 of 2016 on Regional Elections, and Government Regulation No. 12 of 2018. The dismissal proposal will be processed administratively to be submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs, before receiving approval from the President of the Republic of Indonesia.