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SMAT, Papua: Papua Governor Barnabas Suebu on Tuesday swore in Asmat Regent Yuvensius A. Bikai and Vice Regent Mptong Saridjan for the 2010-2015 period during a plenary session led by Asmat regency speaker Thomas S. Safanpo in the regency capital of Agats.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Asmat regency council office to provide additional space for members of the public to attend.

In his keynote speech, Safanpo said leaders should learn and work hard to develop Asmat, which was located in a swampy area.

“Leaders should be earnest and hard-working so that they can develop Asmat for the better. The people have cast their ballots to elect leaders to lead Asmat over the next five years, so be good leaders of change in Asmat,” he said, adding that the people of Asmat expected the new leaders to work hard and improve the image of Asmat.

Governor Suebu said many residents of Asmat were underprivileged and disadvantaged, citing that many lived in make-shift homes built on stilts in swampy areas.

He added that education, healthcare and infrastructure development were his top priorities. — JP