Sutiyoso or Adang may become next governor

JAKARTA (JP): Former Jakarta military commander Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono said yesterday that Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso and Maj. Gen. Adang Ruchiatna were two strong candidates for Jakarta's next governor, both having an equal chance.

"Both of them have a good chance to be the next governor because they would probably be supported by the Armed Forces commander," said Hendropriyono, popularly known as Hendro, after attending a signing ceremony of a reclamation project at City Hall.

Sutiyoso is currently chief of Jakarta Military Command, while Adang is head of the Army Territorial Center.

Hendro said he decided to drop out of the race because he had no intention of being nominated at the beginning of the election process.

"Moreover, I was not appointed by my superior. I have to know where I belong," Hendro said.

"I can only be nominated if I receive a recommendation by my superior at the beginning of the candidate selection process," he said.

Hendro expressed his gratitude to those who had proposed him as a candidate for Jakarta's governor. "But I'm sorry I can't fulfill their expectations," he said.

Hendro was one of 12 candidates announced by the City Council early this month.

The number of the candidates dropped to only four after the other eight, including Governor Surjadi Soedirdja and Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais withdrew from the race.

The four remaining candidates are Sutiyoso, Adang, legislator Achmadi and City Secretary Harun Al Rasyid.

Meanwhile, City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo said yesterday that the council would further process the proposed candidates after the establishment of the council's five commissions, budget committee and board of advisors.

The candidate list will later be officially consulted with the minister of home affairs. The selection of the governor should receive the approval of President Soeharto before official installation on Oct. 6. (07/ste)