TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will take leave of absence beginning this month to gear up for his presidential bid.
“He will take leave of absence when the presidential registration begins. The registration is this month,” Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama said at the City Hall on Friday, May 2, 2014.
The registration for presidential candidates will last from May 18-20, 2014.
Ahok said his boss would have to take long leave to focus on the presidential elections. “So that he is not on and off like the previous days, so he can focus on the elections,” he said.
Ahok added he would automatically take over all of Jokowi’s duties during the latter’s leave as stipulated by the regional regulations.
ERWAN HERMAWAN