In a significant leadership transition for the capital, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung officially inaugurated Uus Kuswanto as the new Regional Secretary (Sekda) of DKI Jakarta. Kuswanto steps into the pivotal role previously held by Marullah Matali, who has officially retired from public service. This crucial appointment, formalized by Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 184/TPA Year 2025, was signed on November 21, 2025. Matali’s tenure concluded as he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on November 27, 2025.
During a ceremony held at City Hall in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Monday (December 1), Governor Anung expressed profound gratitude for Marullah Matali’s nearly three decades of dedicated service to the city. “Today I am inaugurating the DKI Jakarta Regional Secretary, Mr. Uus Kuswanto, replacing Mr. Marullah Matali as the DKI Jakarta Sekda. Mr. Marullah himself has served at City Hall for 29 years,” Pramono stated. He added, “Specifically, I want to convey my thanks for his dedication, loyalty, and contributions to the advancement of Jakarta City.”
Governor Anung underscored that a significant focus of his administration is the comprehensive restructuring of the bureaucracy. This initiative has already seen substantial progress, with approximately 2,700 echelon 3 and 4 officials having been appointed recently. Following the crucial appointment of the Regional Secretary, the administration is poised to fill another five to six vacant key positions, including the critical role of West Jakarta Mayor, which Uus Kuswanto previously held.
Addressing the rigorous process behind the selection of the Regional Secretary, Pramono Anung emphasized that while the selection progressed through various stages, it was conducted confidentially to maintain a conducive environment. “The process actually ran its course, starting with 10 candidates, which was then narrowed down to three. However, in such matters, I prefer the process not to be overly sensational; the most important thing is to choose the best person,” he explained, highlighting his preference for a discreet yet effective selection method.
Pramono further elaborated that the determination of the Regional Secretary involved a strategic combination of open selection and meticulous talent management. Drawing on his extensive 10 years of experience within the Central Government, Governor Anung possesses a clear understanding of the qualities required for an ideal bureaucratic leader. He lauded Uus Kuswanto for his commendable track record and exceptional administrative capabilities. “And why was the choice ultimately Mr. Uus? I looked at his track record, and I need a strong, highly skilled administrator,” Pramono affirmed, “because for the substance and so forth, with my 25 years of experience working in the Central Government, I know what I need.”
Expressing his full confidence, Governor Anung stated, “Therefore, I trust Mr. Uus will be able to work together with me and Vice Governor Rano Karno (‘Bang Doel’) to make Jakarta more comfortable, safe, advanced, and most importantly, as a global city, to make its name more globally recognized.” He also firmly asserted the professionalism underpinning his decision-making, claiming that absolutely no lobbying influenced Uus’s appointment. “There was absolutely no lobbying that could influence my decision. So, when I decided to nominate Mr. Uus as the primary choice, that is, of course, part of my responsibility,” Pramono concluded, underscoring his unwavering commitment to merit-based leadership.
Marullah’s Farewell Message to Uus
In a gesture of mentorship and goodwill, the outgoing Regional Secretary, Marullah Matali, shared crucial advice with his successor, urging him to foster positive relationships with the community. “My message to Mr. Uus is to be good to the media, greet them often, and be good to the community, frequently accompanying the Governor and Vice Governor to understand what the people of Jakarta need,” Matali advised, emphasizing public engagement. Matali expressed hope that Uus would successfully continue the important duties, given his extensive experience within the region. The newly inaugurated Uus Kuswanto, in turn, promptly affirmed his readiness to undertake the significant responsibilities. “Of course, I will carry out my duties and responsibilities to assist the Governor and Vice Governor in fulfilling their promises and performing tasks to provide the best services to the community,” he stated, committing to serve the public effectively.
Filling the West Jakarta Mayoral Vacancy
Regarding the vacant position of West Jakarta Mayor, Governor Pramono assured that the appointment of an Acting Mayor (Plt) would be decided the very next day. “Since he was just inaugurated, the Acting Mayor will certainly be in place by tomorrow. We will announce it later,” he confirmed, ensuring continuity in leadership. Governor Anung also affirmed that the primary mandate for the new Regional Secretary, Uus Kuswanto, is to seamlessly continue and complete any unfinished work from Marullah Matali’s successful tenure. “The main task for Mr. Uus is to continue what was not completed during Mr. Marullah’s era. And since the Governor remains the same for both Mr. Marullah’s and Mr. Uus’s eras, I have no worries at all; it will definitely run smoothly and well,” he declared, expressing confidence in the continuity of the administration’s agenda.
Summary
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung officially inaugurated Uus Kuswanto as the new Regional Secretary (Sekda) of DKI Jakarta, succeeding Marullah Matali, who retired after nearly three decades of dedicated service. This key appointment, formalized by Presidential Decree, stemmed from a rigorous and confidential selection process. Governor Anung selected Kuswanto for his strong administrative capabilities and commendable track record, essential qualities for the administration’s ongoing bureaucratic restructuring and the goal of making Jakarta a more recognized global city.
Uus Kuswanto, previously the West Jakarta Mayor, has committed to fulfilling his duties by assisting the Governor and Vice Governor in serving the community effectively. His primary mandate is to seamlessly continue and complete any unfinished work from Matali’s tenure. Outgoing Secretary Matali advised Kuswanto to foster positive relationships with the media and the community, while an Acting Mayor for West Jakarta is expected to be appointed shortly to fill Kuswanto’s former position.