BLITAR – Blitar regional secretary selection remains unclear because the city government has not started technical preparations for the open recruitment process to appoint a definitive regional secretary.

The regional secretary, or sekda, holds the highest civil servant position in Blitar City Government. This role manages public administration and supports the mayor in daily government operations. The position coordinates regional agencies and ensures government programs run effectively across departments.

However, officials say they have not received direct instructions from the regional head to begin the formal selection stages.

Acting Head of the Civil Service and Human Resources Development Agency (BKPSDM), Ika Hadi Wijaya, confirmed that no technical preparation has started.

“There have been no preparation stages yet,” Ika said when asked for confirmation.

She explained that regulations strictly limit the acting regional secretary position. Therefore, the government must move carefully while keeping the process on schedule.

Currently, Tri Iman Prasetyono serves as Acting Regional Secretary. He started the position on April 13, 2026.

He temporarily fills the role after the previous secretary left the position. His task includes maintaining administrative stability during the transition period.

Under existing regulations, an acting regional secretary can only serve for a maximum of three months.

If the definitive position remains vacant, the city government has only around 90 days to complete the process.

Officials must finish the open selection and appoint a permanent regional secretary within that limited period.

The slow progress has raised concerns among local lawmakers. They believe early preparation is important to avoid leadership uncertainty.

PPP faction chairman at the Blitar City Council, Nuhan Eko Wahyudi, asked the administration not to rush the process without proper planning.

He said the government must focus on professionalism, transparency, and clear procedures when choosing the right candidate.

“Regarding vacant positions, especially the sekda seat, we hope the government prepares it carefully and follows the correct procedures,” Nuhan said.

He also stressed the principle of “the right man in the right place” for such an important leadership position.

According to him, officials must not choose the definitive secretary based on personal preference or subjective judgment.

“We should not rush. A good process will produce the right figure,” he said.

“Do not place someone without the right capacity because it can make government offices less productive,” he added.

Meanwhile, Acting Regional Secretary Tri Iman Prasetyono admitted that he carries a major responsibility during his short assignment.

After his inauguration, he said the mayor gave him two main priorities that need immediate attention.

The first priority is preparing the transition toward a definitive regional secretary through open recruitment.

“Because my term only lasts three months, we must immediately prepare the open selection process for the definitive regional secretary position,” Tri Iman said.

Another priority involves accelerating strategic regional projects ordered by the mayor.

He said these projects must continue without delay despite the temporary leadership transition in the city government.

To keep them on track, he plans to seek direct guidance from the mayor and ensure all programs move forward smoothly.

Previously, Priyo Suhartono held the regional secretary position before the government reassigned him as Expert Staff for Legal Affairs.

Now, the city administration faces strong pressure to act faster because the sekda role remains one of the most important positions in local government.

Both lawmakers and residents expect a transparent and professional recruitment process so Blitar can soon have a definitive regional secretary.