TULUNGAGUNG – The Tulungagung school principal appointments are nearing completion, with 21 schools set to receive definitive principals soon after months of administrative delays.

Acting Regent Ahmad Baharudin confirmed that officials have entered the final stage of the process. He said the administration has coordinated with the local education office and now focuses on completing the remaining requirements.

“We have discussed the remaining 21 schools. We will fill these positions soon,” he said.

Earlier, the government issued 118 appointment decrees for acting principals (Plt). The previous regent signed most of them, and authorities already distributed those documents to schools. However, 21 schools did not receive appointments at that time, so officials now prioritize their completion.

“Most of the earlier decrees are already in place. We are now completing the remaining 21,” Baharudin explained.

He added that the administration wants to move quickly toward permanent appointments. Officials plan to finalize definitive principals in the near term.

“We aim to appoint definitive principals as early as next week,” he said.

Still, the government will not automatically confirm all acting principals. Officials will evaluate candidates carefully and select those who meet the required criteria.

“We will review and filter candidates. Many factors will guide the selection process,” he added.

Earlier this year, administrative issues disrupted school operations. Some schools lacked official decrees between February and March, which delayed access to school operational funds (BOS).

“Without official documents, schools could not complete the required signatures for BOS disbursement. We will coordinate with the Home Affairs Ministry to resolve this,” he said.

Now, officials report that conditions have improved. Schools should face no further issues accessing funds from April onward.

At the same time, Baharudin firmly rejected allegations of corruption in the appointment process. He denied claims of “buying and selling positions” and urged anyone with evidence to report it.

“I have never been involved in such practices. If anyone has proof, report it and we will take action,” he said.

He acknowledged that such rumors often emerge during bureaucratic transitions. However, he stressed the importance of clear evidence before authorities take action.

“Rumors can happen, but we need solid data to follow up,” he added.

Officials also confirmed that previously signed acting principal decrees remain valid. The government will continue to use those documents because the former regent signed them while still in office.