TEMPO.CO, Trenggalek - Trenggalek Regent Emil Elestianto Dardak was listed among world’s best regional heads and became a partner of Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Emil Dardak decided to attend the award ceremony in the United States rather than presented in East Java gubernatorial inauguration held by the General Election Commission (KPU).
Emil was competent in creating regional innovations during his time as regent of Trenggalek. “Hopefully the partnership with one of the best world’s universities and media group Bloomberg will benefit the development of Trenggalek,” said Emil Dardak through Trenggalek district administration spokesman, Agus Wiyono, Friday, July 20.
The presence of Emil in New York was one of the requirements to list Trenggalek district as the regional partner of Harvard University. The district would obtain development programs on innovations initiated by Emil Dardak.
Emil said to have a permit from East Java Governor Soekarwo and Khofifah Indar Parawansa to stay in New York for several days which was in line with his inauguration as East Java deputy governor accompanying Khofifah Indar Prawansa. “Thank you Pakde Karwo and Ibu Khofifah for granting me the permission.”
Emil’s presence was also a proof of his commitments towards Trenggalek district. Emil pledged that he would not leave the region following many critics brought up due to his gubernatorial candidacy during his term as a regent.
In the simultaneous regional heads election on June 26, 2018, Khofifah and Emil won the most voters against Syaifullah Yusuf-Puti Guntur Soekarno. Emil Dardak pledged to focus on administering Trenggalek until his inauguration as Deputy Governor of East Java.
HARI TRI WASONO