Anies Baswedan Comments on Names to be Jakarta Deputy Governor

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The position of Jakarta Deputy Governor is still vacant since Sandiaga Uno decided to run in the 2019 Presidential Election. Despite facing lots of tasks, Governor Anies Baswedan claimed he has not yet considered the successor.

However, Anies said he had heard several names that emerged to take the seat, including Gerindra cadre Muhammad Taufik, PKS cadre Mardani Ali Sera and Ahmad Heryawan, as well as West Java PKS chair Ahmad Syaikhu.

The governor said he has not put thought on the names yet considering the resignation process of Sandiaga Uno was still afoot. “It’s true that Pak Sandi has stepped down, but we still wait for president’s decree because it's him who will inaugurate [the candidate],” he said on Monday, August 13.

Anies explained a plenary session in Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) must take place in advance in light of the resignation of Sandiaga Uno. After then, he would send a letter to the president for a confirmation.

The governor went on to say that those names are worthy to be the capital’s deputy governor. If one of the names chosen to accompany him, he would accept it. “All of them are good people. Each of them can work well together [with me], no problem,” he added.

According to Anies Baswedan, the four names are experienced figure hence they would not find difficulties in professionally managing the city together as the Jakarta deputy governor.

TAUFIQ SIDDIQ | TD