JAKARTA ~ The first elected governor of Jakarta was sworn into office on Sunday.

Fauzi Bowo, the former deputy governor who won Jakarta’s first direct election in August, took office after swearing an oath in a ceremony here.

Bowo, who was backed by a coalition of 19 parties, won around 60 percent of votes in Jakarta’s first gubernatorial polls since a 2004 law allowed for the heads of districts and provinces across Indonesia to be directly elected.

Previously, they were appointed by the president based on recommendations from local legislatures.

Bowo and his new deputy Prijanto take on an overdeveloped city notorious for its congestion and pollution problems and lack of affordable education and healthcare.

His predecessor, Sutiyoso, who served two five-year terms as governor of this city of 11 million people, has announced his readiness to run for president.