ome Minister Tjahjo Kumolo inaugurated on Monday the ministry’s director general for regional autonomy, Sumarsono, as South Sulawesi acting governor to fill the provincial leadership post until simultaneous regional elections are held in June.
Sumarsono, replaced Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who, along with his deputy Agus Arifin Nu’mang, ended his term on Sunday.
Syahrul and Agus served two consecutive terms from 2008 to 2018.
Sumarsono also temporarily replaced former Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama while the latter was campaigning in 2016-2017.
Agus will run as a governor candidate, along with running mate Tanribali Lamo, in June’s election. The election of the South Sulawesi governor is among 171 regional elections that will be held on June 27, including elections in 12 regencies and cities within the province.
Sumarsono, who will lead the province for only a few months, said he would focus on ensuring the elections in the province were properly run.
In his remarks, Tjahjo called on relevant authorities to promote peaceful elections, free from sectarian disputes or false news.
He also warned civil servants to maintain their nonpartisanship throughout the election period.
“If any civil servants violate [the principle] of non partisanship, we will take firm action, ranging from imposing sanctions to dismissal,” he said.
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