Babel Governor Emphasizes Discipline and Budget Efficiency at Monthly Ceremony

Governor Hidayat Arsani of Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Babel) province stressed the importance of discipline, budget efficiency, and improved work ethic among civil servants during the monthly flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Government office in Pangkalpinang on June 17, 2026. The ceremony, attended by all state civil apparatus (ASN) and contract workers (PPPK), was framed not merely as routine protocol but as an opportunity to reinforce commitment to public service. Arsani emphasized that ASN personnel play a strategic role in determining public service quality and regional development success, and called for cultivating positive, productive, professional, and responsible work culture.

The Governor highlighted employee discipline as the foundation for building strong, trustworthy government. He acknowledged various shortcomings during his administration but stated ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve across government sectors, noting that approximately 90 percent of level II positions have been filled with permanent officials to strengthen organizational capacity. Addressing the national fiscal challenge, Arsani directed all regional agencies to support budget efficiency policies in line with presidential directives.

Specific measures implemented by Babel provincial government include controlling official travel expenses. Arsani stressed that budget usage must be judicious, equitable, and targeted to maintain regional financial health amid significant budget cuts compared to previous years. The efficiency measures have yielded positive results, including continued payment of PPPK salaries, part-time PPPK compensation, and the 13th civil servant income supplements. Travel authorization now requires approval at all administrative levels (eselon II through staff level) to ensure official trips serve urgent interests with clear public benefit, rather than serving as mere document delivery services.

While restricting non-essential travel, Arsani affirmed that activities directly serving the public—including agricultural extension, healthcare services, mobile vehicle registration, and other public programs—must continue uninterrupted. Beyond budgetary concerns, the Governor emphasized workplace attendance, punctuality, and adherence to regulations. He also highlighted workplace cleanliness as an integral part of professional work culture, instructing all regional agencies to maintain orderly, clean office environments reflecting government professionalism and accountability.