T

he reshuffling of high-ranking officials in the Jakarta administration was seen as shock therapy for the bureaucracy which, according to Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, is in dire need of higher working standards.

Jokowi said he intended to increase the working standard of his subordinates because of the high expectation of the public for his administration.

“The reshuffle aims to develop a new rhythm in the administration to improve the performance of the officials. We are creating a good management organization, so the agencies can respond to and fulfill the needs of the public quickly,” he said on Friday.

Jokowi said he gave all new officials six months before evaluating their performance.

“I have asked them during the fit and proper tests whether they are ready or not to reach the targets set for the agencies,” he said, adding that there would be sanctions against those who failed to achieve them.

On Thursday, Jokowi inaugurated 20 new city officials at City Hall — some of whom were only told about their new position on the previous day.

One of them is Anas Effendi, who missed his inauguration as the head of Library and Regional Archives Agency. Previously the South Jakarta mayor, Anas, met with Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama on Friday asking about the reason for the work rotation to a position deemed as less prestigious.

By law, the Jakarta governor holds the power to appoint the mayors and replace them within the working period of five years.

Anas, who was appointed by Jokowi’s predecessor Fauzi Bowo, had worked as the mayor for 14 months.

Ahok said that several high-ranking officials, including city secretary Fadjar Panjaitan, were also involved in deciding on the names that were included in the rotation of officials.

“We were looking for someone to replace the retired head of the library and regional archives agency when Mr. Secretary suggested Anas,” he told reporters.

“When we asked further who could replace Anas, Mr. Secretary said that he had a reliable deputy so there will not be any problem in resuming the task.”

Ahok, however, said that the tour of duty was only one way to refresh the administration and should not be seen as punishment against officials with poor work performance.

“The task as the head of the library is of high importance because we always have to secure important archives and documents on the capital city,” he said.

Among the officials replaced are Ery Basworo, previously head of the Public Works Agency; and Novizal, head of the Housing and Administration Building Agency, who recently resigned from his post.

Jokowi said on Friday that his administration needed to quickly respond to the demand for proper housing for squatters. “I cannot handle all the matters alone,” he said, adding that in the future his subordinates would resume the work he had started. (cor)