Mayor's post for civilian

YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said here on Tuesday the mayor and regent are political posts which should be held by civilians, not military members.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with members of the provincial legislature, the governor, who is also the sultan of Yogyakarta, said the new practice should start next year when the city of Yogyakarta elects a new mayor.

The current Yogyakarta mayor Lt. Col. R. Widagdo will end his term of office in January next year.

"If the regional legislature insists on choosing a military officer as mayor, he or she must give up his or her military post first," the sultan said. (44)