OTT Effect Of Former Governor? Bengkulu Provincial Government Frees Dozens Of Heads Of Service

Acting Regional Secretary of Bengkulu Province, Herwan Antoni. (ANTARA/Boyke Ledy Watra)

BENGKULU - Bengkulu Provincial Government (Pemprov) released dozens of heads of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) from their positions.

This was confirmed directly by the Acting (Pj) Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bengkulu Province, Herwan Antoni.

Although he has not yet mentioned the exact number, Herwan confirmed that the number of OPD heads who have been relieved of their duties exceeds 10 people.

"Because the technical approval has just been submitted, so the exact number is not yet certain. Later it will be submitted. (Are there more than 10 people?) Yes, more," said Herwan when met in Bengkulu, Antara, Friday, July 13.

Herwan has not detailed the reasons for the release. However, he ensured that the process had followed applicable regulations and was based on technical approval from the State Civil Service Agency (BKN).

"What is clear is that it is in accordance with the results of technical approval from BKN. The process refers to the norms, standards, criteria, and applicable procedures," he said.

When asked whether this release was related to the issue of neutrality in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Election (Pilkada), Herwan did not provide a firm answer. The issue of neutrality resurfaced after a number of heads of agencies were dragged into the alleged corruption case that ensnared the former Bengkulu Governor, Rohidin Mersyah.

As is known, Rohidin was caught by the Hand Catch Operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and has been named a suspect in the alleged extortion and gratification case within the Bengkulu Provincial Government.

Currently, the legal process against the case is still ongoing in court.

"Yes, everyone," Herwan answered briefly when confirming whether the release was related to the evaluation of the performance of officials.

The Bengkulu Provincial Government has not provided further information regarding who the officials have been relieved of and when the decision will take effect. It stated that it would provide official information in the near future.