Wife vows to replace jailed governor

The wife of Riau Islands governor Ismeth Abdullah announced her bid on Saturday for the province’s top executive post, citing her intention to “carry on development” in the region.

Aida Zulaikha Nasution declared her entry to the race in a function in Batam in the absence of her husband, who is being detained in Jakarta by the Corruption Eradication Commission for a graft case which implicates him.

“I am running for the gubernatorial post because of my concern about the continuity of development in Riau Islands,” Aida, a daughter of former Riau governor, told her supporters.

Aida, who was elected as a member of the Regional Representative Council for the second five-year term in the legislative elections last year, has picked provincial secretary Eddy Wijaya as her running mate. The ticket is supported by the Golkar Party.

Golkar chief adviser Akbar Tandjung said the province under Ismeth had reached an economic growth that exceeded the national mark.

“Aida knows well her husband’s leadership style, therefore she will be able to succeed him and lead the province to progress,” Akbar told Aida's supporters.