Agency head resigns over health concerns

Sita W. Dewi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Jakarta | Tue, February 12 2013, 9:57 PM

Jakarta Housing and Administration Building Agency head Novizal has submitted his resignation to the city administration, citing health concerns. As of March 1, he would have served as a civil servant within the administration for 35 years.

“My workload has increased every year and I feel as if I can’t keep up with it anymore. I had a problem with my liver in 1991 and I recovered in 1994. I am worried that the problem will occur again if I force myself [to continue], so I have decided to retire early, ahead of schedule [in December],” Novizal said at City Hall on Tuesday. “I don’t want to let the governor down.”

His resignation comes shortly after the dismissal by Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahja Purnama of housing division chief Kusnindar from the agency, following allegations of corruption in the management of low-cost apartments in Marunda, North Jakarta.

Kusnindar was believed to have allowed brokerage and subleasing practices to occur in the apartment complex, making it difficult for low-income residents from Muara Baru, North Jakarta, to move into the refurbished apartments.

Novizal, who served as the Public Works Agency's deputy head before assuming his current post, said he had recommended a few names of who might replace him to the governor and deputy governor, but declined to elaborate further.

Novizal, who turns 56 this year, said that a younger and more dynamic leader would be able to carry out the agency’s programs this year, which include the redevelopment of slum areas and low-cost apartments.

He played down rumors that his resignation was triggered by pressure from the deputy governor to eradicate fraudulent practices from inside the agency. “Don’t drag out that issue. It’s purely because of my health,” he said.

Ahok confirmed that he had received the resignation letter last week. “I appreciate his move. If he believes he cannot fulfill our expectations, then it is better for him to resign. He’s being a gentleman. We can’t reject [the resignation],” he said.

Ahok added that other officials should follow Novizal’s lead if they could not keep up with the new city leadership. “We want to run fast. If they can't keep up with us, it is better for them to step down,” he said.

Ahok caused a sensation by filming and uploading a video showing him leading a meeting with the Jakarta Public Works Agency in November last year. He called for a 25 percent cut in the agency’s budget for 2013 because he considered the figures exorbitant.