Presidential secretary Djoko dies

JAKARTA (JP): Presidential secretary Djoko Mulyono died on Friday night from a prolonged illness. His body was buried in a public cemetery in Joglo, West Jakarta, on Saturday.

Djoko had received treatment at Gatot Subroto Military Hospital for some time before he died at 9:45 p.m. on Friday.

President Abdurrahman Wahid paid his last respects to the late Djoko on Saturday morning, just before leaving the country for the Organization of Islamic Countries summit in Doha.

Djoko took over the presidential secretariat post from Ratih Hardjono, who resigned in April.

Born in 1944, Djoko was the deputy secretary-general of the House of Representatives before Abdurrahman chose him as one of his aides.

"I knew him (Djoko) for long time, so I knew well his capabilities. That is why I appointed him presidential secretary," Abdurrahman said of his reason to take Djoko into the palace.

Abdurrahman has named Abdul Mudjib Manan the acting presidential secretary.

The President has four official secretaries -- Cabinet secretary, military secretary, presidential secretary and state secretary -- to assist him in his daily activities. (amd)