Kaimoeddin extends tenure as governor

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)