New W. Nusa Tenggara leaders sworn in

By Panca Nugraha
Source : The Jakarta Post

Home Minister Mardiyanto installed Zainul Madji and Badrul Munir as West Nusa Tenggara governor and vice governor in a ceremony held at the provincial legislative council on Wednesday.

Some 3,000 people attended the inauguration ceremony which was followed by a handover from previous governor and vice governor, Lalu Serinata and Bonyo Thamrin Rayes.

In his speech, Mardiyanto said the gubernatorial election process had run well, and thanked all those who had taken part in it.

"Even though there was a legal dispute after the election, eventually the problem was solved and those affected by it were able to accept the solution," he said.

"The key to being democratic is that all people obey the regulations and laws. It can be concluded that the gubernatorial election in West Nusa Tenggara had a happy ending.

The minister emphasized three issues the new governor and vice governor should pay attention to.

First, they must work hard especially in allocating state funds through the provincial budget by prioritizing public spending.

Second, to facilitate the interests of mayoralties and regencies in their territory.

And third, they should eradicate and prevent corrupt practices especially in the procurement of goods and services.

"Any national policy set by the central government for the public interest should be analyzed and implemented correctly by regional administrations," he said.

Mardiyanto expected the West Nusa Tenggara residents to fully support as well as control and criticize the new leaders, so they could realize their development goals.

During their campaign, Zainul and Badrul, nominated by the Prosperous and Justice Party (PKS) and Crescent Star Party (PBB), promised free education and health access.

"We will realize these policies through the 2009 provincial budget. We hope, at least, there will be no children who cannot enter elementary and junior high schools because of financial constraints," Zainul said.

Separately, hundreds of members of the Jamaah Ahmadiyah sect currently being housed in the transmigration dormitory hoped the new leaders would pay them more attention.

The sect members have lived in this dormitory since they were driven out of their homes in Ketapang hamlet, West Lombok, in February 2006. There are 137 people in the dormitory. Another 57 people are taking shelter in the former Praya General Hospital building after being driven out of their homes in Praya village, Central Lombok, in June 2006.