Consensus emerging to allow Sultan’s appointment as Governor

The government and House lawmakers are close agreeing to drop plans to directly elect the governor of Yogyakarta, ending a contentious plan to nullify the city-province’s unique status under the Constitution.

Officials and legislators deliberating on a bill that would revise Yogyakarta’s special status have almost agreed to continue the appointment of incumbent Governor Sri Sultan Hamgkubowono X to the post, Home Ministry regional autonomy director Djohermansyah Johan said on Wednesday.

"During discussions, we were closer to a consensus that the governor would be appointed by the city council with the Sultan as one of the proposed candidates. It is quite similar to [his] direct appointment by the city council," Djohermansyah said as quoted by Antara news agency.

There was no agreement as to who would be allowed to run for governor if Hamengkuwono’s term ended before bill was enacted, Djohermansyah said.

"The government stands on principle that anyone can run for governor. The working committee opposes the idea."

The Home Ministry has asked President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to extend Hamengkubuwono’s term for two years pending completion of the bill, Djohermansyah said.

Little progress has been made on enacting the bill since it was first proposed five years ago.

The government came under fire in 2010 after critics said the government was using the bill to remove the immensely popular Hamengkubowono from the national political stage.