The Mayor Of Bekasi Who Was Arrested By The KPK Wants To Make Residents Happy By Sending Wreaths For Celebrations

Photo via Bekasi City Government

JAKARTA - The Mayor of Bekasi, Rahmat Effendi, was caught by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a hand arrest operation (OTT). Before being arrested, Rahmat Effendi intended to make residents happy by sending bouquets of flowers every time he was invited.

Pepen, as Rahmat Effendi is called, has served as Mayor of Bekasi since May 3, 2012, replacing Mochtar Mohamad, who happened to have the same problem, a corruption case. The man who was born on February 3, 1964, was re-elected in the regional election and became mayor of the 2013-2018 and 2018-2023 periods.

The Bekasi City Government budgeted the cost of procuring flower bouquets in the 2022 APBD of IDR 1.1 billion through the General Procurement Plan.

Mayor Rahmat Effendi said that giving greetings in the form of bouquets of flowers was a form of attention to the community. Giving a bouquet of flowers is usually for condolences, happiness, and the inauguration of the event.

So, the Mayor of Bekasi and the Deputy Mayor of Bekasi often receive invitations from residents to attend community events, as well as receive sad news. However, due to time constraints, not all of them could be attended, so a bouquet of flowers was sent.

The size of the wreath is adjustable.

The large ones are usually intended for the inauguration of government buildings, condolences to state officials, members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), and community leaders. While the standard size is intended for the community.

“Giving a greeting through a bouquet of flowers does not need to be seen from its value, but as a form of concern for the residents. Because the regional head has the opportunity to send bouquets of flowers, it is enough to make the residents happy," said Rahmat, quoted from the official website of the Bekasi City Government.