Kaimoeddin extends tenure as governor

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: President Soeharto has approved the extension of the tenure of the incumbent Governor of Southeast Sulawesi La Ode Kaimoeddin for another five years.

Spokesman for the province's legislative council Yamin Indas said yesterday the President had signed the decree of Kaimoeddin's reappointment Saturday.

"The copy of the decree was sent to the council by facsimile today (Sunday) morning, while the original copy is expected to arrive tomorrow (today)," Yamin was quoted by Antara.

He said the Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. would swear in Kaimoeddin during a plenary session of the legislative council tomorrow.

Some 2,500 people are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony. They will include chief of the Wirabuana Military Command overseeing Sulawesi, Maj. Gen. Agum Gumelar, and several members of the House of Representatives.

Kaimoeddin won 32 out of 45 votes in the election of the province's governor for the 1997/2002 period held by the council on Nov. 22.

His contenders, Abdurauf Tarimana and Zua Fasihu, won eight and five votes respectively.

In Indonesia, the winner of a gubernatorial election must receive approval from the President before assuming the position.

Kaimoeddin was elected the governor of the natural asphalt producing province for the first time in place of H. Alala five years ago. The predecessor was also in service for two five-year terms.

A governor is allowed to take office for a maximum two terms. (amd)