Ponorogo Prioritizes Open Selection for Vacant Senior Posts Before Mutations

The Ponorogo Regency government in East Java is accelerating the filling of vacant senior leadership positions through open selection processes. This initiative is prioritized over general staff mutations to ensure optimal public service delivery and strengthen the performance of regional work units (OPD).

Agus Sugiarto, the Regional Secretary of Ponorogo, confirmed that the open selection process is slated to commence in early July 2026. These appointments aim to replace several heads of OPD who have reached retirement age. "We will fill the vacant positions first, then consider mutations if necessary based on organizational needs," Agus stated in Ponorogo on Thursday.

This approach marks a departure from previous mechanisms that often began with staff reshuffling. The regional administration is now prioritizing the immediate filling of vacant seats to prevent government operations from being disrupted by an excessive number of acting officials. The selection process will not be conducted simultaneously for all positions but will proceed in phases, considering the urgency of each OPD's needs. "We are adjusting to the organization's requirements. The number of positions to be opened in the first phase is still being finalized," Agus explained.

Agus, who also chairs the Personnel and Rank Assessment Body (Baperjakat), added that this phased approach offers broader opportunities for eligible civil servants to participate in subsequent selection stages. Currently, Ponorogo Regency has at least 12 strategic positions filled by acting officials, comprising 10 Echelon II roles and two director positions at regional-owned enterprises and hospitals. Vacancies include leadership roles in BKPSDM, BPPKAD, Environmental Agency, Social Affairs and P3A Agency, DPMPTSP, Bapperida, Population and Civil Registration Agency, Library and Archives Agency, Manpower Agency, and the Office of the Expert Staff for Government, Law, and Politics, as well as director positions at PUDAM Tirta Katong and dr. Harjono Regional General Hospital. Most of these vacancies occurred because the previous incumbents retired.