Controversy on the Appointment of Acting Regional Heads

It is unlikely that the commotion about the appointment of acting regional head will stop if the regulations are not improved. There are only 42 acting regional heads who have been sworn in.

What is the problem with the recent appointment of caretakers or acting (Pj) regional heads? Why is it so loud, controversial and publicly scrutinized? In fact, thus far, the appointment of the acting governor, acting regent and acting mayor, selected from among civil servants, has been relatively peaceful.

The rationale is that the upcoming election of regional heads (pilkada) in 541 regions in 2024 will be made simultaneous nationwide according to the mandate of the Pilkada Law No. 16/2010. Consequently, the model of mid-term or regular regional elections as in 2022 in 101 regions, in 2023 in 170 regions and in 2025 in 270 regions, which is honestly already good -- as regulated in the Pilkada Law No. 8/2015 -- will be dropped.