The corruption case involving Rahmat Effendi adds to the long list of regional heads in Bekasi who have been arrested for corruption.
By
Kompas Editor
·3 minutes read
Kompas/Heru Sri Kumoro
Two officers show evidence of money confiscated from a sting operation for alleged corruption in the procurement of goods and services, as well as an auction of positions within the Bekasi City Government at the KPK Building, Jakarta, Thursday (6/1/2022).
The public was shocked again when the mayor of Bekasi, Rahmat Effendi, was arrested for corruption. During the pandemic, when the performance of regional heads was under test, there were still those who were arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
The corruption case involving Rahmat Effendi adds to the long list of regional heads in Bekasi who have been arrested for corruption. In 2018, Bekasi Regent Neneng Hasanah Yasin was arrested by the KPK in a bribery case for project licensing. Eleven years ago, Bekasi Mayor Muchtar Mohamad was also arrested by the KPK for a similar offense.
There were nine suspects arrested during an operation carried out by the KPK in Bekasi on Wednesday (5/1/2022). Of the nine people, four were the alleged givers and the other five were the alleged recipients of bribe money. One of the suspected recipients was Rahmat Effendi. The Golkar Party politician is accused of receiving Rp 5.7 billion (US$ 398,079) (Kompas, 7/1/2022).
The leaders of regencies, cities and provinces have a difficult task. They have to use all the resources, time and their personal assets to ensure they can fulfill their task optimally. There are so many indications that show how governors, regents and mayors have to work while others enjoy their day off.
This is especially true when a natural disaster hits their regions. Regional heads are required to lead disaster mitigation, coordinate aid and ensure that there are as few casualties as possible. With such a task, regional heads have to be ready to sacrifice their personal time at any time.
The city of Bekasi is also still facing a number of crucial problems related to the welfare of its citizens. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows that the poverty rate in the city reached 4.38 percent in 2020, an increase from 3.81 percent in 2019.
Kompas/Heru Sri Kumoro
Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi (orange vest) is presented at a KPK press conference related to allegations of corruption in the procurement of goods and services, as well as an auction for positions within the Bekasi City Government at the KPK Building, Jakarta, Thursday (6/1/2022).
The Covid-19 pandemic has made the task of regional heads even more difficult. Performance should be optimized so as to be able to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the people, especially those who have lost their income or jobs, and to minimize the loss of life.
With local revenue (PAD) of more than Rp 2 trillion per year, there are more than enough funds available to ensure that development in Bekasi runs optimally.
Bekasi, which is actually classified as a rich region thanks to its position as a buffer zone for Jakarta, actually has the financial resources to improve the welfare of its citizens. With local revenue (PAD) of more than Rp 2 trillion per year, there are more than enough funds available to ensure that development in Bekasi runs optimally.
This can be done on the condition that there is willingness from the regional head to work for the people and put aside personal and in-group interests. Governors, regents, mayors, as well as high-ranking officials such as ministers and heads of government institutions, should realize that every step and decision must be accounted for, both in front of the people's representatives and the wider community. This awareness of working for the people with accountability can hopefully prevent regional heads from being trapped in corruption in the days ahead.
(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi).
