Multa Fidrus , The Jakarta Post , Tangerang Wed, 03/19/2008 City
Rumors that reelected Tangerang regent Ismet Iskandar refused to be sworn in by Banten governor Ratu Atut Chosiah were confirmed Tuesday, when a state official told them to "get over their differences".
The Home Ministry director general for regional autonomy, Saut Situmorang, told Ismet and Ratu Atut to work together in harmony, Tangerang regency council's Tubagus Bayu Moerdani said Tuesday.
"He said, and I quote, 'Their differences which appeared during the regent election process should have been left behind'," Bayu told reporters, quoting Saut.
Ismet and deputy regent Rano Karno, along with several council members and a number of officials from Banten Provincial Administration, visited the ministry Monday to update their preparation for the regent swearing-in ceremony planned for March 23.
Ismet had asked to be sworn in by officials from the ministry in Jakarta instead of Ratu Atut. The feud came into the limelight in the regental election process.
Ratu Atut was believed to support Airin Rachmi Diany, who ran for the deputy regent post with legislator Jazuli Juwaini as regent candidate, but Airin is the governor's sister in law.
"However, during the meeting with the director general and other officials at the ministry office, Pak Ismet finally agreed to be sworn in by governor Ratu Atut, and thus showed his leadership," Bayu said.
Tangerang council deputy speaker Arief Wahyudi who also was present at the ministry meeting said, by law, a home minister could preside the swearing-in ceremony of a mayor or regent, should there be an emergency situation in the area.
"It could also be done with consent from the governor and the local council. In our case, all council members demanded the swearing-in be held in Tangerang," he said.
None, however, could confirm where the ceremony would take place. The Tangerang regency administration proposed it be held in the Puspitek building in Serpong, while the council wanted it at the council building in Tigaraksa.
Council speaker Endang Sujana said the location would be finalized at a joint-meeting Wednesday. "In line with recommendations from the ministry, the regent's swearing-in ceremony will definitely be held March 22, because that is the final day of the 2003-2008 regent's tenure," he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment