Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung speaks to Nikkei Asia in Jakarta last week in his first interview since being inaugurated in February. (Photo by Dimas Ardian)
JOSEPH RACHMAN
JAKARTA -- "Honestly, I did not want to run at all," admits Pramono Anung, Jakarta's new governor. Even on the campaign trail Pramono cheerily admitted that until his surprise nomination to contest last November's election for the most powerful position in Indonesian regional politics he had planned to retire after nearly 10 years as cabinet secretary under former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
However, in his first interview since taking office last month, Pramono, who has spent the majority of his 25 years in politics in relatively low-profile posts, seemed to relish his new position in the limelight. He said campaigning opened his eyes to Jakarta's problems.