Ahead Of The 2024 General Election, Gerindra Legislators Remind 272 Acting Regional Heads Not To Be Involved In Practical Politics

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JAKARTA - A total of 272 regional heads will end their tenure in 2022-2023. The vacant seats for the 24 governors and 248 regents and mayors will be filled by the acting (Plt) who will serve temporarily until a new regional head is elected as a result of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Election (Pilkada).

The 272 Plt are considered to be able to influence the map of the upcoming 2024 Presidential General Election (Pilpres). This is because the regional heads come from political parties.

In response, Member of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the Indonesian Gerindra Faction, Rifqinizami Karsayuda, reminded the 272 Plt regional heads to be appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) not to be involved in practical political activities.

"We will ensure that the 272 Acting regional heads are not involved in practical political activities. However, they are part of the implementation of government duties and services to the public," Rifqi said in Jakarta, Thursday, December 30.

Based on the provisions of Law Number 10 of 2016 concerning Regional Elections, continued Rifqi, the Acting Regional Head must be filled with State Civil Apparatus (ASN). The Acting Governor is held by Civil State Apparatus (ASN) with Echelon 1a positions, while the Acting Regents/Mayors are held at least by Echelon 2a officials.

Rifqi explained, on the one hand, the 272 Acting regional heads still hold their definitive positions. However, on the other hand, he received additional duties as an Acting regional head.

"Therefore, the acting regional heads should not participate in practical politics, but remain focused on carrying out government duties and providing the best service to the community," said the Gerindra politician.

The South Kalimantan legislator also suggested that the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian has a good 'map' related to the distribution of ASN from ministries/agencies and local governments to occupy the position of Acting regional head.

"The number of 272 acting regional heads is not small, therefore the government, in this case, the Minister of Home Affairs, must have a good map regarding the distribution of ministries/agencies and regional governments, in which areas the officials must carry out their duties," said Rifqi.