Jakarta. After initially considering extending Heru Budi Hartono’s term as acting governor, the Jakarta Legislative Council has decided to propose three new candidates to replace him. The new acting governor will serve until an elected leader is inaugurated in late December.

Heru, who was appointed by the president and has been acting governor since October 2022, will complete his term on Tuesday.

The Jakarta Legislative Council has put forward three senior officials from the Home Affairs Ministry as candidates to succeed Heru. These include Director General of Civil Administration Teguh Setyabudi, Director General of Regional Autonomy Akmal Malik, and Inspector General Tomsi Tohir.

Council Speaker Achmad Yani explained that the three officials were selected by political parties currently in power, with the final decision to be made by the president. Heru was excluded from the nomination process due to receiving support from only one party.

Councilor William Aditya Sarana of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) acknowledged Heru’s dedication and achievements over the past two years but noted that Heru’s role as head of the Presidential Secretariat requires his full attention as the transition of presidential power approaches.

“With the presidential transition drawing near, we believe Mr. Heru needs to focus on his responsibilities at the Presidential Secretariat,” William said.

His view was echoed by other parties, including the Democratic Party and the United Indonesia Party (Perindo).

President Joko Widodo is set to retire next month, with President-Elect Prabowo Subianto succeeding him.