He emphasized that no matter how excellent the programs promised and implemented by the candidates after being elected as regional heads, they will not proceed as planned if their administration is tainted by corrupt practices.
Agus Yasin also urged all elements of the Purwakarta community to continuously monitor the administration to prevent corruption from undermining the implementation of the flagship programs promised by the candidates, which have been carefully planned.
“We, as a society, must ensure and control that every penny count (rupiah) from the regional budget (APBD) is truly used for the interests of the community, not to enrich a handful of individuals,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Agus Yasin stated that the regent, as a regional leader at the district level, may consider themselves a political official elected by the people. However, this does not mean that the decisions regarding local government management can fully align with the political desires of the leaders without considering existing legal regulations.
“Even though elected through a political mechanism, the elected regent and deputy regent must understand that ultimately, they are government officials who must adhere to the provisions of administrative law in managing the government,” he explained.
According to Agus Yasin, the regent, as a regional leader, has broad authority over financial management and the implementation of the regional budget (APBD).
“The authority of the regent as a regional head encompasses various aspects, from financial management to assets and personnel. However, all of this must comply with legal regulations. A failure by the regional head to adhere to these rules can result in legal violations that ultimately harm the public,” he continued.
Agus Yasin pointed out that the phenomenon of corruption among regional heads often occurs due to the abuse of authority. From budget cuts in projects to the buying and selling of positions and permits, all of these reflect a low level of compliance by regional heads with the law.
“The prevalence of corruption in the region indicates that regional heads often become a source of corruption problems. Corrupt regional leaders will manage regional governance through corrupt practices,” explained Agus Yasin.
Corrupt regional leaders certainly do not meet the expectations of the public. According to Agus Yasin, the regent and deputy regent, as leaders directly elected by the people, should carry a vision and mission to combat corruption and create a government free from corrupt practices.
“Without a strong commitment from regional leaders, anti-corruption policies will be difficult to implement effectively at the regional government level,” he said.
Agus Yasin also expressed that the election moment should be used by the people of Purwakarta to choose candidates for regent and deputy regent who have integrity and a good track record.
“One of the indicators is the commitment and anti-corruption programs offered by the candidates for regent and deputy regent of Purwakarta,” he concluded.(Hen)
This article has been published under the title “Pilkada Purwakarta 2024, Antikorupsi Terlupakan Para Paslon?”
