Risma Declines Ministerial Seat in Jokowi Administration

TEMPO.CO, Surabaya – Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini has played down rumors that she would be appointed as one of president-elect Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's ministers in the next government, saying that she preferred to become a professor to a minister.

“At any rate, I’m planning to change my status from a civil servant of the Surabaya administration to ITS [Ten November Institute of Technology] professor,” Risma told journalists at her office on Monday, September 8, 2014.

Risma admitted she had talked to the chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri, about her reluctance in becoming a minister. Risma added Megawati had approved of her decision and understood her reasons.

“Bu Mega said, ‘Is that so, Mbak? I thought Mbak Risma wanted to [be a minister].’ Bu Mega knows me very well,” Risma said.

Risma explained her promise to serve the people of Surabaya for five years was the reason behind her refusal. She admitted, however, to failing to undertake her duties as the city's mayor for several months in light of her planned resignation in February, which she canceled.

“My contract with the people of Surabaya is five years. Previously, I left my job for several months. The thing is, I have promised [to be a mayor],” Risma said. 

AGITA SUKMA LISTYANTI