T

he leadership of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is split over who will succeed Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah if she is named a suspect in a bribery case currently being pursued by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Chairwoman of the PDI-P Banten chapter, Ribka Tjiptaning, rejected the proposal that current Deputy Governor Rano Karno should succeed Atut, arguing that Rano lacked the ability to lead the province.

Ribka said that Rano had done nothing to influence the actions and policies made by Atut.

'€œHe has never made any statement, just like many others in Banten. He is under Atut'€™s spell,'€ Ribka said recently.

In fact, Ribka said the provincial chapter had withdrawn its political support for both Atut and Rano six months ago due to their poor performance.

The PDI-P central board, however, is convinced that Rano is their candidate to lead Banten.

Puan Maharani, PDI-P central board member and daughter of party chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri, said that Ribka only spoke for herself.

'€œIt was a personal statement. The party did not make that decision. We did not withdraw our support for Rano,'€ Puan said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Without confirming whether the PDI-P was ready to take Banten over from Atut, Puan did say the party would anticipate a sudden change.

'€œWe do not want to meddle in the problem. Just let the KPK investigate the case. But if Atut resigns, Rano must be ready to replace her,'€ she said.

Ratu Atut began her political career as deputy governor after winning the 2002 Banten gubernatorial election as a running mate with Djoko Munandar.

In 2005, Atut was sworn in as interim governor after Djoko was convicted of corruption '€” making Atut the first woman governor in the country.

She was elected for a new term after winning the 2006 Banten gubernatorial election, with Mohammad Masduki as her deputy.

She then sought reelection in the 2011 gubernatorial election.

With Rano, a popular 1980s'€™ movie actor running as her deputy, the ticket won close to 50 percent of the vote.

Many believe that Atut used Rano to attract votes and never assigned him to carry out important duties in the day-to-day running of the administration.

In July, Rano threatened to quit, arguing that he had been sidelined over almost all important issues.

Rano changed his mind, however, after Megawati asked him to stay in his post.

Rano and Ratu Atut reportedly struck a new deal after the incident, which saw Rano taking on more substantial jobs.

When asked for a comment on the possibility of replacing Atut, Rano said: '€œI don'€™t want to make any assumption. We have rules that regulate the issue. I have to be ready to serve [as acting governor],'€ he said in an email sent to The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Critics have accused Atut of failing to develop infrastructure in Banten or improve the welfare of its population.

Some areas, such as Tangerang and South Tangerang, have enjoyed high economic growth, thanks to industrial activities and the development of residential areas, namely Bumi Serpong Damai, Bintaro and Alam Sutera.

In sharp contrast, three other areas in Banten '€” Pandeglang, Lebak and Serang '€” have been listed as some of the most disadvantaged regions in the country.