Ritola appointed new City Secretary

JAKARTA: The city administration is expected to install Ritola Tasmaya as the new City Secretary next week, ending a perceived rift between Governor Sutiyoso and Vice Governor Fauzi Bowo.

Ritola, who is currently head of the City Development Planning Board (Bappeda), was chosen over another candidate, Ma'moen Amin, who is currently the assistant to the City Secretary of financial affairs.

Fauzi was City Secretary before being elected vice governor to Sutiyoso. He retained both positions while waiting for the appointment of the new City Secretary.

It had been widely believed during the selection process that Sutiyoso backed Ritola, while Fauzi preferred Ma'moen.

"There was no such thing as a rift between Pak Sutiyoso and myself," Fauzi told reporters during a media briefing on Thursday at City Hall.

"Ritola fits all the qualifications," Fauzi added.-- JP