TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Political and public policy observer Andrinof Chaniago said the governance of Jakarta would resume normally despite Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s being busy with his party duties and Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s being presently ill.

“The government will keep running. In this kind of situation, the regional secretary will help,” Andrinof told Tempo on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

Andrinof added besides the regional secretary, the governor and the deputy governor also had other aides, including agency heads, who could be assigned to execute the provincial policies under their directions and supervision.

Andrinof said Jokowi and Ahok could give the agency heads directions without having to meet them in person.

“So I think there won’t be an empty government as long as the communication was well-preserved and the monitoring is properly done. In this kind of situation, the subordinates should be dependable,” he said.

Andrinof continued that Jokowi, in particular, who is currently running for president, should be able to play his roles both as a presidential contender and governor proportionally given the degree of importance of both duties.

“A governor’s duty is to make policies and making decision, which cannot be done by his subordinates. On the other hand, Jokowi needs to solicit support for his presidential candidacy,” he said.

ISTMAN MP