New regent to be in office for 70 days

Central Java governor Bibit Waluyo installed on Friday Mahsun Zain as the definite Purworejo regent, albeit only for the coming 70 days.

As the deputy regent, Mahsun had previously been named the acting regent following dismissal of Regent Kelik Sumrahadi, who was convicted of corruption and sentenced to three years of imprisonment in March last year.

“What can we do in two months? I am not going to talk in length, but suggest that the new regent continue programs of the previous regent,” Bibit said in his brief speech as quoted by Antara news agency.

Mahsun will now have to help the regional election commission prepare a second round election, scheduled to be held on Sept. 26. Mahsun and his running mate Suhar qualify for the run-off.