The Case Of Buying And Selling Positions In Pemalang Regency Government Is Like An Iceberg Phenomenon

The potential for buying and selling positions can continue if the government does not make clear rules. The government needs to tighten the selection system and promotion of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN).

"Selling and buying positions in the Government circle is like an iceberg phenomenon that never melts. So the government must find the root of the problem and try to find the best solution," said Member of Commission II DPR RI Mardani Ali Sera, Wednesday, June 7.

Previously, it was known that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had arrested the inactive regent of Pemalang Regency, Mukti Agung Wibowo, in connection with the bribery case of buying and selling positions. Mukti has been sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for being proven to have gratuities by accepting bribes.

This case began when Mukti was elected as the elected Pemalang Regent for the period 2021-2026. Mukti then made changes in composition and rotation at several levels of positions in the Pemalang Regency Government (Pemkab) by setting a fee.

The bribes and gratuities received by Mukti Agung came from the thanksgiving money of the echelon 2, 3, and 4 officials who were promoted. The money from officials in Pemalang Regency was set aside from the official budget to fees from a number of project implementers.

Most recently, the KPK detained three Pemalang Regency Government officials related to the corruption of buying and selling positions, of which the three people were included in the list of seven new suspects named by the KPK in the case. Mardani regretted that there were still rampant cases of buying and selling ASN positions.

"Buying and selling positions within the local government has often occurred. This incident will raise doubts about the quality of ASN that may be generalized by the public, even though this does not happen to all ASN," said the legislator from the DKI Jakarta I electoral district.

Mardani said that the quality of ASN is very crucial as an indicator in providing the best service to the public. Therefore, he asked for a stricter selection and promotion system for ASN positions.

"Including from the supervisory side. The government must seriously evaluate to related agencies to eradicate and anticipate fraud in the receipt and promotion of ASN positions," said Mardani.

Commission II of the DPR in charge of government affairs and the Regional Government (Pemda) will continue to oversee the case of buying and selling positions that occur within the Regional Government (Pemda). According to Mardani, there must be a rigid policy against the system of promotion or promotion of ASN so that it cannot be manually regulated or conditioned.

"Do a rigorous selection with a system that cannot be intervened, this is a way so that regional heads do not arbitrarily make their own rules that allow corruption to occur," he explained.

On the other hand, Mardani appreciated the KPK's quick steps in dismantling the case of buying and selling positions within the Pemalang Regency Government.

"The real and bold steps taken by the KPK are obedient, we give thumbs up. By not intervening with any party, the KPK is at the forefront of uncovering every corrupt practice in this country," said Mardani.

The deputy chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) also encouraged the KPK to dare to thoroughly investigate every case of buying and selling positions that occurred in Indonesia. Mardani asked the KPK not to be afraid to investigate corruption cases even if the one involved was a high-ranking official or a big figure.

"KPK must dare to take firm action and trace the potential involvement of other parties or high-ranking officials who commit criminal acts of corruption such as buying and selling positions," he said.

Mardani emphasized that the DPR is committed to overseeing the policies carried out by the local government to avoid the practice of buying and selling positions within ASN. This step is taken in order to maintain integrity and professionalism in the public justice sector.

"This action shows a strong commitment from the legislature in maintaining the sustainability of democracy and upholding the principles of good governance in this country," concluded Mardani.