Awang Faroek Ishak

Awang Faroek Ishak (born 31 July 1948 in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan) is the current Governor of East Kalimantan, one of the wealthiest provinces in Indonesia. Awang Faroek assumed office on December 2008.

Early life

Ishak was known as a lecturer in Mulawarman University in Samarinda, he gained the position of Dean of Education Faculty and 3rd University Director Assistant.

Political life

Ishak was a member of the People's Representative Council for two terms, from 1987 to 1992 and from 1992 to 1997. After the reformation era, Ishak was chosen to be an acting regent for the newly created regencies of East Kutai that was separated from the main regency Kutai Kartanegara. Ishak took position as regent from 1999 until 2003, when he resigned as regent as he became the candidate for 2003 East Kalimantan Governatorial election. Ishak lost the Governatorial election to Suwarna Abdul Fatah.

On East Kutais' first direct regent election on 2006, Ishak became the candidate, challenging his former vice regent Mahyudin. Ishak re-took the Regent position from Mahyudin after winning the East Kalimantan governatorial election in two rounds in 2008.

On the first round of the election, Ishak, with his running mate Farid Wadjdy took the first place, defeating Achmad Amins and Jusuf SK. But because Ishak lacked the popular vote (less than 30% ballot term to win the election), the KPU (Election committee) ran the second round of the election, with Ishak and Achmad Amins contesting.^[1]

The second round of the Governatorial election was held on October 2008. Ishak won more than 50% of popular vote, and became the 12th Governor of East Kalimantan.

References