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)