Arya Dipa, Bandung – Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has inaugurated high-ranking National Police officer Comr. Gen. M. Iriawan, who once served as the provincial police chief, as an acting governor to replace incumbent West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan, whose term as the province's head ended on June 13.
"I, on behalf of the President, officially inaugurate Comr. Gen. M. Iriawan as West Java's acting governor. I believe you will do your job well and according to your responsibilities," Tjahjo said during the ceremony on Monday.
The ceremony was held at Gedung Merdeka in the West Java provincial capital of Bandung and was attended by a number of officials, including Ahmad, who wished his successor good luck during the former's speech.
Prior to his appointment as West Java's acting governor, Iriawan had been the main secretary of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) since March 8. The three-star general was also appointed West Java and Jakarta Police chief in 2013 and 2016, respectively.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Iriawan said he had been contacted by the minister regarding his appointment and the inauguration on the second day of Idul Fitri celebrations on Saturday.
"My family and I were in Surabaya [East Java] visiting relatives when the minister called, so I went back right away to Jakarta. As a soldier, I'm ready to do what the country has ordered me to do," Iriawan said.
He added that he would focus on serving West Java residents as well as the provincial state officials' neutrality during the upcoming gubernatorial election.
West Java is among 171 regions participating in the 2018 simultaneous regional elections, which will be held on June 27. (kuk)