PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin on behalf of the President of the Republic of Indonesia inaugurated Barnas Adjidin as Acting Regent of Garut in the West Hall of Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Tuesday (23/1/2024).

Barnas will lead Garut Regency for one year replacing the pair of Garut Regent Rudy Gunawan and Helmi Budiman whose terms of office have expired.

While leading, Barnas will continue to occupy the Primary High Leadership Position, namely as Secretary of the West Java DPRD.

In his speech, Bey Machmudin asked Barnas to get to work straight away without having to adapt for a long time.

The closest thing is to prepare to hold the 2024 General Election on February 14 and guarantee the neutrality of ASN.

"Of course, the Acting Regent of Garut must guarantee the neutrality of ASN and make the election a democratic party that runs smoothly," he said.

Bey also reminded that Garut is one of the areas in West Java that is prone to natural disasters, especially floods and landslides in the current rainy season.

For this reason, coordination with various parties is key in anticipating the threat of natural disasters.

"We ask that you coordinate with BPBD, TNI and Polri to anticipate the threat of flash floods and landslides due to extreme weather," Bey said.

Take firm action against extortion

Regarding illegal levies at tourist attractions which are currently in the public spotlight, Bey asked Barnas to reorganize mass organizations and take firm action against individuals who commit extortion.

The tourism sector is superior in Garut Regency, therefore the comfort and safety of tourists must be an important concern.

"Reorganize social organizations so that there are no more extortion at tourist attractions. Pay attention to the comfort and safety of tourists visiting Garut Regency," he said.

Another leading sector in Garut Regency is the leather industry.

Bey revealed that the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs is currently building a joint production house for processed leather products in Garut.

The joint production house will later be donated to the Garut Regency Regional Government.

"The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs will provide a joint production house to the Garut Regency Government. Manage it professionally and facilitate Garut MSMEs so that these leather products can increasingly compete with products from abroad," said Bey.

After inaugurating the Acting Regent of Garut, Barnas's wife, Sri Kartika, ex officio served as Acting Chair of the Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK) of Garut Regency.

Acting Chair of the West Java PKK TP Amanda Soemedi Bey Machmudin inaugurated Sri Karika at the same place.