Rudy vows to finish what Jokowi started in Solo

Surakarta Deputy Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo has pledged to both continue and complete all programs initiated by former Surakarta mayor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who is now the governor of Jakarta.

Rudy, who will replace Jokowi Surakarta mayor, cited four priority programs that would be completed within the remaining three years of his tenure, including programs to revitalize Jongke tourist market and Klewer market, as well as completing the construction of Solo Techno Park. Education and poverty eradication are also on Rudy’s list as since June, the administration has established 45 free schools designated for the poor.

“My focus will not be on creating more programs but evaluating and continuing existing programs,” Rudy said on Thursday.

The Surakarta Legislative Council will inaugurate Rudy as Surakarta mayor on Friday at the council’s office in Surakarta, Central Java. Jokowi is slated to attend the inauguration to officially transfer the role that he vacated on Oct. 1.

Jokowi, a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), won the Jakarta gubernatorial election in September, defeating incumbent Fauzi Bowo. Jokowi was inaugurated into his new role on Monday.

Rudy, however, refused to answer when asked about who was going to be his deputy mayor.

“There are a few names that have been proposed but nothing has been decided yet. It will be later, after the inauguration,” he said. (swd)