Number of proposed governor candidates drops to eight

JAKARTA (JP): The number of proposed candidates for Jakarta's next governor now drops from 12 to only eight as another candidate has joined the wagon and decided not to be a candidate.

Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais, one of three civilian candidates announced by the City Council last Wednesday, said on Monday he was unwilling to be a candidate.

"Without ignoring those who have nominated me, I think I know my own abilities. Jakarta is huge and strategic. There are many other people who are much better than me," Rais said.

Three proposed candidates who earlier withdrew from the candidate list include incumbent Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, former Jakarta military commander A.M. Hendropriyono and Council Speaker M.H. Ritonga.

Former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin said yesterday that there was no problem for Surjadi's reelection because existing regulations allow a governor to remain in office for two terms.

"Regulation No. 5/1974 on provincial government guidelines sets the governorship term of office at five years and can be extended for another five years," Sadikin said at a ceremony commemorating his 71st birthday.

"If the governor has made good progress, why does he not want to be reelected?" he asked. "Moreover, Surjadi was number one on the list, followed by Hendropriyono and Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso," he said.

When Sadikin was further asked about Surjadi's reluctance to be reelected, he just said Surjadi would probably be promoted to another high-ranking position.

After the withdrawal of four candidates, the remaining eight are Sutiyoso, chairman of Golkar's city office Tadjus Sobirin, chief of the Army Territorial Center Maj. Gen. Adang Ruchiatna P, former deputy governor of government affairs Edi M. Nalapraya, legislator Achmadi, legislator HR Agung Laksono, City Secretary Harun Al Rasyid and Deputy Governor of Administrative Affairs Idroes.

Sutiyoso, who has lately been described in the press as one of the strong candidates for next Jakarta governor, said on Monday he would not make any statement before one by his superior, Armed Forces Chief General Feisal Tanjung.

"I've never said that I would accept the offer because the Armed Forces chief has not yet said anything about my next assignment," he said.

Speaking to reporters after taking part in a military exercise at Army Special Forces (Kopassus) Cijantung headquarters in East Jakarta, Sutiyoso said he was still an active military officer, whose next assignment would mainly depend on the chief's decision.

He, however, did not deny the possibility of being assigned to a government position, saying that it would again depend on the Armed Forces chief.

Sutiyoso still has two more years in the military before he reaches a mandatory retirement age of 55 in December 1999. (ste/imn)