TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung administration is preparing a major bureaucratic evaluation that could reshape leadership across several regional government agencies, as officials seek to improve public service performance and strengthen institutional effectiveness.
Acting Regent Ahmad Baharudin said the administration will review the performance and capabilities of officials across regional government organizations, known as OPDs. The evaluation will help the government determine whether agency leaders match the needs of their positions.
As part of the process, the administration plans to hold competency tests for senior officials. The tests will measure their skills, experience, and suitability for leadership roles.
“We will conduct competency tests again for positions related to the respective agencies,” Baharudin said.
The government launched the initiative after concerns emerged over the performance of several public service sectors. Officials hope the review will identify areas that need improvement and help build a more effective bureaucracy.
Baharudin said the administration wants every agency head to possess the expertise required for the job. He noted that strong leadership plays a key role in improving services and delivering government programs.
The acting regent also stressed that the administration will follow all legal procedures during the evaluation process. He said his office must comply with existing regulations when making decisions related to personnel and organizational changes.
“We will adjust every step to the applicable procedures and regulations,” he said.
At the same time, the Tulungagung administration faces another challenge. Several senior leadership positions remain vacant across government agencies.
Baharudin revealed that six High-Pratama Leadership Positions (JPTP) currently lack permanent office holders. The number will increase next month when another senior official retires.
“Currently there are six vacant positions. The number will rise by one because an official is set to retire,” he said.
The vacancies have become a major concern because agency heads oversee the implementation of government programs. They also coordinate public services and ensure agencies meet their targets.
Without permanent leaders, agencies may struggle to maintain efficiency and coordination. As a result, the administration wants to complete the appointment process as soon as possible.
Baharudin said he will discuss the matter with Tulungagung Regional Secretary officials. The discussions will focus on the steps required to fill the vacant positions and complete the necessary procedures.
The administration believes the competency tests and leadership evaluations will create a stronger bureaucratic structure. Officials expect the process to place qualified leaders in positions that match their expertise.
Local authorities also hope the reforms will accelerate public services and improve government performance. The administration considers uninterrupted public service its top priority.
“The most important thing is to keep government operations running smoothly and ensure public services continue without disruption,” Baharudin said.