West Sumatra’s new governor’s unorthodox inauguration

Irwan Prayitno and Muslim Kasim were sworn in Sunday as governor and vice governor of West Sumatra.

Backed by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura) and the Reform Star Party (PBR), the pair won the elections on June 30, beating four other tickets and collecting 32.44 percent of the vote. Among those beaten in was incumbent Marlis Rahman.

Repairs to the council building since last year’s earthquake meant the ceremony was held in a garage next door.

Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi, who led the ceremony, urged the new governor to increase communication with the province’s municipalities and regencies.

“The provincial government is not independent of the regencies and municipalities. Good communication will build better relationships,” he said.

He warned the governor to finalize mid-term development plans within three months to bring into realization promises made during political campaigning.

The plans, according to Gamawan, must be adjusted to the central, municipal and regental governments.

Council speaker Yulteknil said reconstruction efforts since the earthquake and investment should be among the list of priorities for the new governor to heed.

“This region has not yet recovered from the earthquake. Reconstruction efforts have not run as expected, many homes, schools and government buildings have not yet been rebuilt. We hope this becomes a priority,” he said.

A 7.6-magnitude quake on Sept. 30, 2009, killed more than 1,000 people.

Hopes for better development were also voiced by Endang Irzal, one of former rival candidates.

“While hoping for a quick recovery, we are anxious for the new governor to improve people’s welfare,” Endang, former director of PT Semen Padang, told The Jakarta Post.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi.