Saptono Mustakim told The Jakarta Post that his branch was looking to ensure that all government policies, including banning civil servants from being involved in practical politics, were properly implemented.

"The mayor's appointment as chairman of the party's muni-cipal branch is against the law," Saptono said.

Ahmad Dahlan was elected as chairman for the 2010-2012 term during the municipal branch's extraordinary meeting last week in Batam.

Saptono said the meeting was led by a member of the national executive board without involving the provincial executive board.

The city's employment agency later clarified that Ahmad Dahlan was still classified as a civil servant until May 2010 as his resignation letter had only been sent in April and is expected to take effect next month.

"We will request clarification from the mayor as we were not aware that he was elected party chairman," the agency's employment division head, Agus Hartoyo, said. - JP

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