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Sumarsono returns to City Hall as acting governor
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Home Ministry Director General of Regional Autonomy Sumarsono (center) poses for a photograph with Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama (left) and deputy governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat after a handover ceremony at City Hall in Central Jakarta on Monday. The Home Ministry appointed Sumarsono as acting Jakarta governor on Monday night, as Ahok has to take leave for his election campaign. (JP/Ivany Atina Arbi)
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umarsono has returned to City Hall to temporarily take over Jakarta governorship from Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who is forced to take leave ahead of the election runoff next month, where he seeks a new term in office.
In a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, the Home Ministry officially appointed the director general of regional autonomy to act as Jakarta governor for the second time.
Ahok said he had handed over a lot of "homework" to the senior bureaucrat, as he trusts "Sumarsono can handle all of the tasks.”
Those tasks include building more integrated child-friendly spaces (RPTRA) and creative hubs for Jakarta youngsters across the capital.
"I know that Sumarsono really loves to work hard, so I entrust him with [those tasks]," Ahok said at City Hall before the handover ceremony.
The incumbent faces former education minister Anies Baswedan on April 9 for the second and final round in the gubernatorial race.
Sumarsono said he was upbeat that he could finish all the tasks well. "I will do all of the tasks well. I hope by doing it, I can please every party," Sumarsono told reporters after the ceremony.
