House of Representatives has female secretary-general

JAKARTA (JP): Sri Sumaryati Haryanto was sworn in as secretary-general of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, becoming not only the first woman but also the first career administrator to hold the position.

Sri Sumaryati, the former House deputy secretary-general, replaces Lt. Gen. (ret) Afif Ma'roef.

"I was really shocked when I received the letter from President Abdurrahman Wahid last week announcing my appointment," she said, noting that the job was traditionally held by males with a military background.

She said she was so shocked by the letter she confirmed her appointment with House Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Akbar, who presided over Wednesday's swearing in ceremony, said Sri Sumaryati's appointment was based on a fair and objective assessment.

"She was officially nominated for the position of secretary- general after long observation," he said.

"Sri Sumaryati was appointed to end the long tradition of the position being dominated by officials from outside the House. And she is the first career woman to occupy this post in the House," Akbar said in a speech.

Akbar also noted that this positive development signaled that ever member of the House secretariat staff had an equal opportunity for advancement.

Sri Sumaryati, 58, came to the House shortly after graduating from Gadjah Mada University in 1965.

She held various administrative posts before being appointed deputy secretary-general in 1996.

"With God's help, I hope I will be able to manage the secretariat general, which employs more than 300 civil servants," she said.

During the same ceremony Edo Wasdi was sworn in as deputy secretary-general. (rms)