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Civil groups to challenge interim-regional-leaders' appointment
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Medical workers carry a fainted voter during a simulation of regional election in Banyuwangi, East Java on Sept. 14, 2020. The simulation was held as part of preparation for the 2020 simultaneous regional elections set to take place in 270 regions across Indonesia on Dec. 9. (Antara/Budi Candra Setya)
A
group of civil-society organizations is considering a legal challenge against the Home Ministry over the controversial appointment of interim-regional leaders.
Ignoring cries for transparency, the Home Ministry pushed through the unilateral appointment of hundreds of acting-regional heads who will hold on to their seats until the 2024 elections, starting with appointing five interim governors in mid-May.
The 2016 Regional Elections Law authorizes the government to unilaterally appoint high-ranking government officials, such as secretaries-general, directors general and provincial secretaries, as interim governors, regents and mayors until definitive leaders are elected in the 2024 elections.
The Home Ministry has since named at least another interim governor and at least 50 acting regents and mayors. A total of 101 regional-leadership posts are becoming vacant this year, including the Jakarta governorship, and some 170 more next year.
An investigation by the Indonesian Ombudsman previously found that the much-debated appointment of interim-regional heads by Home Minister Tito Karnavian was marred by maladministration, calling for the ministry to take “corrective actions” within 30 days upon the launch of the findings on July 20.
The corrective actions include following up on the complaint letter and the substance of the objection by the civil-society groups and preparing a draft of the government regulations (PP) detailing transparent and accountable procedures for vetting interim leaders.
Read also: Ombudsman finds maladministration in acting regional head appointment
