East Kalimantan Education and Culture Head Resigns to Move to Inspectorate, Pj Governor: Our Relationship is Fine

Acting Governor of East Kalimantan Akmal Malik. (ANTARA/Ahmad Rifandi)

KALTIM - The Acting Governor of East Kalimantan Akmal Malik is still waiting for recommendations from the central government regarding the proposed resignation of the Head of the East Kalimantan Education and Culture Office (Kadisdikbud), Muhammad Kurniawan.

"I am an acting governor, so every decision, especially related to staffing, must coordinate with the central government, namely the Ministry of Home Affairs, the State Civil Service Agency and the ASN Commission," Akmal Malik said in Samarinda, Thursday 1 August, quoted by Antara

He explained that Kurniawan's resignation proposal had been received by the East Kalimantan Provincial Government. However, as Acting Governor, he does not have full authority to decide.

"There is indeed a proposal from the Head of East Kalimantan Education and Culture Office, but I must first report to the minister whether this is favourable or not," he added.

Kurniawan's reason for resigning, Akmal said, was because he wanted to return to developing his career as an auditor at the regional Inspectorate.

"He wants to return to his passion as an auditor," Akmal said.

Akmal assessed Kurniawan's performance during his tenure as Head of Education and Culture of East Kalimantan as excellent. However, he respects his personal decision.

Akmal emphasized that there were no serious problems between the two.

"So far our relationship is fine," he added.

Currently, Kurniawan is still serving as East Kalimantan's Head of Education and Culture while waiting for a final decision from the central government.

"The resignation letter only came in about four days ago. However, it does not disrupt the public service of East Kalimantan Disdikbud," Akmal said.

Head of BKD Kaltim Deni Sutrisno responded that the process of resigning an official cannot be done instantly.

"Because the position of regional head who leads now is not the definitive governor. So it must be in accordance with the technicalities of the State Personnel Agency. The process will not immediately issue a dismissal decree," he said.