Djoko Mulyono named new presidential secretary

Djoko Mulyono named new presidential secretary

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid made Djoko Mulyono
his new secretary on Wednesday, replacing Ratih Hardjono who
resigned on April 1.

Abdurrahman expressed confidence that Djoko, who currently
serves as the House of Representatives deputy secretary general,
was the right choice for the job, saying he had known Djoko for
several years.

The President himself described Ratih's replacement as a
routine tour of duty. Ratih is getting married and wants to
concentrate on her new family.

"I have known him (Djoko) for long time, so I know well his
capabilities. That is why I appointed him presidential
secretary," Abdurrahman said.

Acting State Secretary Bondan Gunawan swore in Djoko on the
President's behalf due to the latter's poor sight problems.

The ceremony was held at Bina Graha presidential office, and
attended by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri and some
ministers. Ratih, however, skipped the ceremony without an
official explanation.

Ratih tendered her resignation to the President last month
saying she wanted to prepare for her wedding to Nahdalatul Ulama
(NU) executive Fajrul Falakh in November.

The President himself has four official secretaries -- Cabinet
Secretary Marsilam, Military Secretary Rear Marshal Budhy
Santoso, Presidential Secretary Ratih Hardjono and Secretary for
Government Supervision and acting State Secretary Bondan Gunawan
-- to assist him in his daily activities.

"I need a person who has deep mutual understanding with me as
presidential secretary," Abdurrahman said regarding his choice of
Djoko. (prb)