Democratic Party ignores law, wants a say in Fauzi's administration

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 10/27/2007 4:29 PM  |  Jakarta

Adisti Sukma Sawitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Democratic Party has put forward two candidates for the city secretary post in Governor Fauzi Bowo's administration, ignoring a law that bans parties from interfering in administration appointments.

Party executive Ilal Ferhard said the party was aware of the newly passed law, but as the second largest faction in the City Council it felt it had the right to influence administration decisions.

""This shows that our party is concerned by which direction (Governor) Fauzi Bowo leads the city in the future. After all, it's just a suggestion and he may simply forget it if he disagrees,"" Ilal said.

The party has recommended Central Jakarta Mayor Muhayat and South Jakarta Mayor Syahrul Effendi as city secretary candidates.

Ilal said the party put forward the two men because they are senior officials who have had long, distinguished careers in the administration.

Muhayat received much praise during his time as head of the administration's public relations bureau, before being appointed Central Jakarta mayor five years ago.

Syahrul ran the administration's National Unity and Social Protection Agency, which oversees mass organizations and political parties, before being promoted to mayor of South Jakarta last year.

The revised law on the Jakarta administration limits parties and city councilors to suggesting mayor and regent candidates.

They can not be seen to be meddling in the naming of administration officials.

An executive with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Muhammad Nakoem, said his party would not interfere in Fauzi's administration appointments.

""We just hope that he (Fauzi) picks people who can maintain good relations with the council,"" he said.

The city secretary controls the implementation of development programs and is usually seen as the governor's chief of staff.

In the past, officials filling the position have come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Current City Secretary Ritola Tasmaya is a former head of the City Planning Board.

Ritola replaced Fauzi, who was promoted to the job after a sting overseeing Jakarta's tourism agency.

Council Speaker Ade Surapriatna, who also heads the Jakarta chapter of the Golkar Party, said his party would not propose any candidates for the city secretary post.

He said Golkar just wanted Fauzi to appoint an official who shared the same vision as the governor for developing Jakarta.

""The administration clearly needs a lot of bureaucratic reforms to improve public services and he (Fauzi) needs someone who is strong to help him,"" he said.

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