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)