Indonesian President's Top Aide Sworn in as Acting Governor of Jakarta

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian inaugurated Heru Budi Hartono, Indonesia's Presidential Secretariat Head, as acting Governor of Jakarta after Anies Baswedan's term of office ended on Oct. 16.

"Today, Oct. 17, 2022, I, the minister of home affairs, on behalf of the President of Indonesia, officially inaugurate Heru Budi Hartono as the acting Governor of Jakarta," Tito said in a ceremony at the ministry's building on Monday.

Still on the same ocassion, Tito also inaugurated the acting head of Yapen Islands district Cryfianus Mambay, and the acting head of Tolikara district Marthen Kogoya.

"I believe that you will carry out your duties as well as possible in accordance with the responsibilities you have been given," the minister added.

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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had earlier appointed Heru as the acting Governor of Jakarta to take on Anies' position whose term of office ends on Oct. 15.

Jokowi entrusted Heru with three priority issues -- flood management, spatial planning, and traffic jams -- while fulfilling his duties as acting Governor of Jakarta.

Heru promised to visit the neighborhood on a daily basis after being sworn in as acting Governor of Jakarta.

He would also coordinate with Mayor of North Jakarta Ali Maulana Hakim regarding the plan to relocate residents along RE Martadinata Street, especially around the BMW Park that has now become the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

On the other hand, former Jakarta Governor Anies believes that Heru's experience in the Jakarta Provincial Government and the central government will be a provision to continue the leadership relay for the next two years in the 2022-2024 period.

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"We believe President Jokowi makes decisions by considering all significant factors for the good of Jakarta's residents," Baswedan stated.

He is also ready to support Jakarta's acting governor in fulfilling his duties for the city's development.

"As a former governor, I am ready to support. I will give unconditional support, total support for acting Governor Heru to carry out his duties for the good of Jakarta residents," he added.

Source: State News Antara