Tears accompany Fauzi’s last day in office

The somber atmosphere was palpable at Jakarta City Hall on Friday, the last day of Governor Fauzi “Foke” Bowo's term in office after losing the gubernatorial election to Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, as hundreds of the city administration’s officials bid farewell to Fauzi, with some crying in the process.

During the farewell, the courtyard was filled with civil servants and journalists eager to shake hands with the governor. Heads of several agencies were also present to say goodbye to Fauzi. Hugs were exchanged and tears ran down some of their cheeks.

Others held banners containing uplifting messages, such as “Pak Fauzi is a true role model”, “Pak Fauzi will always be in my heart”, “Mr. Foke is definitely OK (used by Indonesians to describe awesomeness)”, and “Pak Fauzi, a noble task is waiting for you.”

The farewell was jazzed up with six dancers who performed in front of large cloth screens covered in news clippings about Fauzi’s performance during his five-year tenure. The dancers’ outfits were also covered with news clippings about him.

To add a religious touch to the proceedings, a cleric prayed for Fauzi’s future endeavors.

“We’ll be awaiting Pak Fauzi in the majelis taklim (Islamic study group),” the cleric said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

Fauzi officially completes his tenure on Sunday. Jokowi and his running mate, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, meanwhile, will be inaugurated as Jakarta governor and deputy governor next Thursday, a postponement from the original inauguration date of Oct.7 due to administrative delays. (han)