Minister/State Secretary installs deputy, assistants

JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung swore in Let. Gen. (ret) Toni Hartono as his deputy and six other assistants in a brief ceremony at the State Secretariat offices yesterday.

Akbar pointed out Toni had been assigned to coordinate all activities at the secretariat in order to enable the former to concentrate on more strategic work.

Akbar said that he frequently had to accompany President Habibie around the country, adding: "We have felt for a long time that it would be necessary to employ a senior official to coordinate the State Secretariat's activities."

Akbar also installed Yusril Ihza Mahendra, a presidential speech writer, as his assistant for special assignments; Ahmad Watik Pratiknya as assistant for state affairs and non- departmental state agencies; and Gono Sugrino for inter-state institute relations.

Other new assistants are Sofian Effendi for supervision and integrated policy affairs; Dewi Fortuna Anwar for foreign affairs; and Saafroedin Bahar for matters pertaining to national cohesion and unity.

After his election as Golkar chairman last month, Akbar said he would appoint a senior deputy to enable him to distribute his time fairly between his various commitments.

Toni is not a newcomer to the State Secretariat. He previously assisted Moerdiono and Saadilah Mursjid, two of Akbar's predecessors.

He was also former chief secretary of Golkar's Board of Patrons. The board was chaired by former president Soeharto until it was dissolved by Golkar last month. (prb)