Bengkalis Regency in Riau Province has drawn public attention — not due to groundbreaking infrastructure development or economic achievements, but because of growing concerns over political vulnerability and corruption.
Since 2024, the regency’s top leadership roles have been held by members of a single family: the regent is a mother, while both the chairman and the deputy chairman of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) are her sons. With an annual regional budget of IDR 4.1 trillion in 2024 and IDR 3.3 trillion in 2025 — the highest in the province — the political monopoly has triggered significant public concern.
One of the most vocal critics, Feri Sibarani, S.H., M.H., CCDE, CLDSI, a legal practitioner and chairman of the Indonesian Institute for Monitoring Government Policy and Crime (LPKKI), offered a sharp legal and ethical analysis of the situation.
> “Bengkalis' governance is clearly at risk,” said Feri during a discussion in Pekanbaru. “This isn’t just about their positions — it’s about whether a healthy system of checks and balances is even possible within a single family.”
According to him, the dynamics between a mother as regent and her sons as legislative leaders defy principles of independence and professional integrity. "How can a child be expected to objectively reject a policy if it originates from their mother?" he questioned.
Beyond governance risks, Feri also warned of potential setbacks to democratic competition. The overwhelming political dominance of the family — linked to former regent Amril Mukminin and current regent Kasmarni — could discourage capable individuals from contesting leadership positions.
> “This family-based oligarchy limits the political space for others who may be more qualified,” Feri noted.
He cited Article 1(2) and Article 28D(3) of the 1945 Constitution, as well as Law No. 28/1999 on clean government, all of which emphasize equal opportunity, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
Feri emphasized that the Bengkalis leadership structure potentially violates:
Law No. 23/2014 on Regional Government requiring good governance systems
Law No. 17/2003 on State Finances, which mandates financial accountability
Articles 2 and 3 of Law No. 28/1999, which prohibit abuse of power and nepotism.
He also referenced the Constitutional Court’s Decision No. 33/PUU-XIII/2015, which lifted the ban on family members of incumbents running for local office — but underscored the obligation of the KPU and Bawaslu to prevent abuse of power. Feri warns that the failure to monitor such dynamics could lead to collusion and state financial losses.
The situation in Bengkalis illustrates this very risk. Despite democratic electoral processes, Feri argues that ethical and moral issues remain unresolved.
> “This is a classic case of structural conflict of interest,” he stated. “If the legislative body is led by the children of the executive head, how can we expect any real oversight?”
Feri urges Bawaslu, the KPK, and the Ombudsman to intensify their supervision and actively promote merit-based leadership. He further encourages citizens to reject dynastic politics in favor of competence.
On the ground, the consequences are already visible. Bengkalis, despite managing over IDR 2.7 trillion in earmarked funds and a massive APBD, still faces chronic issues like long Roro ferry queues and inadequate infrastructure.
> “People should be prospering with this kind of budget,” Feri concluded. “But what we see is alleged mismanagement, maladministration, and policy failure — signs that this governance structure may be failing the people of Bengkalis.”
Source: LPKKI
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