Municipality proposes four deputy governors

Municipality proposes four deputy governors

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that
the municipality was currently proposing four deputy governors to
the central government.

He said three deputy governors under the current system were
not enough to anticipate the city's economic and development
progress in the future

The three existing deputy governor positions are deputy
governor of administrative affairs, deputy governor of social
welfare and deputy governor of economic and development affairs.

"Rapid economic and development progress in the city has
forced us to propose four deputy governors," Surjadi said after a
ceremony, marking the end of Deputy Governor of Social Welfare
R.S. Museno's term in office.

Museno's position will be vacant until the government gives
the green light for the appointment of an additional deputy
governor.

Surjadi said that, according to the law, Jakarta could have up
to five deputy governors.

Under the municipality's proposal, the deputy governor of
economic and development affairs position would be divided into
two -- deputy governor of economic affairs and deputy governor of
development affairs.

Surjadi declined to name any candidates for the four deputy
governor positions.

"It's still being processed. It's up to the President to
decide, not me. It's not ethical if I name potential candidates,
because it would embarrass them if they're not appointed,"
Surjadi said.

As soon as a presidential decree on the appointment of new
deputy governors is issued, it will be announced to the public,
he said.

City Secretary Harun Al Rasyid was rumored to be a strong
candidate for deputy governor of economic affairs, while head of
the City's Tourism Agency, Fauzi Bowo, for deputy governor of
development affairs.

When asked about the rumor, which said Maj. Gen. Djaelani, who
is currently on the National Family Planning Board, was one of
the proposed candidates to replace Museno, Surjadi said, "Yes."

House member

After leaving his post, the 59-year-old Museno, who was
appointed as deputy governor on Aug. 14, 1991, will be installed
as a member of the House of Representatives on Oct. 1.

Deputy Governor of Administrative Affairs Idroes, who will
retire in July next year, was also elected as a House member in
the May 29 general election.

In response to whether Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi was
one of the proposed candidates to replace Idroes as deputy
governor of administrative affairs, Surjadi said, "Yes."

Abdul Kahfi refused to comment on being proposed as a
candidate.

"It's up to my superior to decide, not me. If I'm appointed,
I'll do my best," he said.

City Council deputy speaker, Ade Surapriatna, said at his
office yesterday that Jakarta deputy governor candidates were
expected to be ready to face rapid development changes.

"In my opinion, it's not worth it if candidates aren't of
excellent quality," Ade said.

In the near future, the city will develop many major projects,
including a US$2.3 billion subway project, a three-tier transit
system and reclamation of North Jakarta Bay. (ste)