Pramono Says Work Matters More Than Narcissistic Leadership

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said he places greater importance on work than on the ego associated with narcissistic leadership.

“One of this nation’s problems is that people’s egos are too big, especially those of its leaders. Once they become leaders, they only want to be seen themselves,” Pramono said in remarks at the opening of a Ciputra University building in West Jakarta on Thursday.

He said he no longer had a narcissistic leadership ego and therefore would not react strongly when attacked.

“As for me, perhaps I don’t have an ego any more, so I just take it easy. It’s fine if I’m attacked, and it’s also fine if I’m not,” he said.

Pramono said he was now focused solely on working to resolve Jakarta’s problems.

“For me, the principle is what Pak Ci told me back then, and I remember it clearly: work hard and make decisions without having a vested interest in them,” he said.

He also said that he had never applied for a job in his life.

“I would like to say this, not to boast – not at all – but I have never asked anyone for a job in my life,” Pramono said.

He said that when he served as Cabinet Secretary under President Megawati Sukarnoputri, he had never asked for the position.

“But why did it happen? Because of hard work. When I was chosen by Pak Jokowi for two terms, why was that? Because of hard work. Now I am Governor, and I never even dreamed of becoming Governor,” Pramono said.

“That is why I told the City Hall staff: Pak Harun, if you are late for an appointment at City Hall, it will be called off. There is no more of this not being on time. Even when the mayor came late, I gave her a look – ‘Oh, the mayor is late’,” he added.