Numberi new Irian governor

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Commodore Freddy Numberi was sworn in on Thursday as Irian Jaya's governor for the next five-years, replacing Jacob Pattipi who has held the post since 1993.

Numberi was sworn in a ceremony headed by Minister of Home Affairs R. Hartono and attended by Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Arief Kushariadi, Antara reported.

Hartono in his address stressed the importance of governors during the tough economic times. This was especially true in a strategically important province like Irian Jaya.

According to Hartono, Irian Jaya has tremendous potential to become the gateway to the eastern part of Indonesia.