Papuan governor's tenure extended

Papuan governor's tenure extended

JAYAPURA, Papua: The central government has extended the period
of tenure of the Papuan governor and deputy governor
indefinitely, pending a decision by the President to appoint a
caretaker governor.

"The tenure of the governor and deputy governor expired on
Nov. 23 but as a caretaker has not been appointed by the
President, Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Ma'ruf extended
their tenure indefinitely through a letter sent to Papuan
administration a few days ago," said Andi Basso Basaleng, the
secretary to the Papuan provincial administration.

The extension was aimed at preventing a power vacuum in
Indonesia's easternmost province, said Andi.

Papua will elect a new governor and deputy governor next year.

JP Salossa, the current governor of Papua, is seeking
reelection with his running mate Paskalis Cossay. Meanwhile,
Salossa's deputy Constan Karma, is seeking the gubernatorial post
in the election slated to be held next year and has picked a
running mate, Donatus Mote. The two pairs of candidates will
contest the election with three other pairs of candidates. -- JP