Introducing Babileg And Leaders When Distributing Social Assistance, Acting Governor Of NTB Denies Participating In Certain Political Parties

Acting Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Gita Ariadi. (ANTARA/Nur Imansyah).

Acting Governor of NTB Lalu Gita Ariadi denied his presence at the distribution of social assistance event held by a political party in Tastura Praya Square, Central Lombok Regency, last Sunday, September 10, as a form of support for certain political parties. "My presence as a political coach in the regions, we are silaturahim, whether I was invited to direct campaign, I am not campaigning," he told reporters in Mataram, quoted from Antara, Friday, September 22. As a political coach in the regions, of course, his presence is in the capacity to provide peaceful messages and maintain harmony despite different political choices. "I came to socialize it. I won't say choose this, choose that. That's just a campaign name," he said. Therefore, according to Miq Gite as he is familiarly called, all those present work according to their respective main duties and responsibilities. "So this Sunday night I want to attend the Maulid event, Mr. Helmy Faishal Zaini (a member of the DPR RI, ed.) and many other political parties as well," he said. The Central Lombok Regency Bawaslu stated that the Acting Governor of NTB Lalu Gita Ariadi was suspected of violating the neutrality of the state civil apparatus when he was present at the distribution of social assistance by one of the parties in the Tastura Praya Square. "It (based on) the results of the examination and analysis that has been carried out internally by Bawaslu. Then Gita Ariadi is suspected of violating the neutrality of ASN," said Central Lombok Bawaslu Chairman Fauzan Hadi. Then Gita Ariadi, who also serves as Regional Secretary of the NTB Provincial Government, introduced the leaders of the party organizing the distribution of social assistance (bansos) to the community at the event location. In fact, Lalu Gita introduced the names of the candidates for legislative members (caleg) for the 2024 election from the party at the event. Lalu Gita's action was widely discussed on social media, so Central Lombok Bawaslu conducted an investigation into alleged violations of ASN neutrality. "As a result, there are allegations of neutrality violations committed. Then Gita Ariadi, so that currently Bawaslu has submitted the findings to the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN)," said Fauzan. Bawaslu, continued Fauzan, had summoned Lalu Gita on Tuesday (12/9) and carried out an examination on Thursday (14/9). From the results of the examination, then Gita Ariadi admitted the actions such as those spread on social media.

"All information in the media was confirmed and last night (Monday, 18/9) we submitted the results to KASN. For the sanctions given, it will be the authority of KASN and we will continue to monitor it at KASN," said Fauzan.