Sarimun installed as new mayor

JAKARTA (JP): Sarimun Hadisaputra was installed on Friday as the new mayor of West Jakarta, replacing Sutardjianto, who was appointed inspector of the city administration.

In his speech at the installation ceremony, Governor Sutiyoso urged the new mayor to speed up the renovation of buildings destroyed during the mid-May riots, including structures in the Glodok business center and those along Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk.

"The renovation of these business areas, which serve as both economic and business centers and the artery of the national economy, should be put at the top of your priorities," he said.

He said that the neighborhood improvement program should also be continued to help improve the local residents' living standards.

Sutiyoso also called on the new mayor to hold dialogs with local residents, public figures, religious leaders and representatives of related institutions to ascertain and unite their perceptions on restoring and maintaining order in the area. (ivy)