Jokowi praises Mayor of the Month Risma

JAKARTA. Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has congratulated Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini for winning the Mayor of the Month award bestowed by the international City Mayors Foundation.

“Good, Risma deserves the award,” said Jokowi at Jakarta City Hall, on Thursday.

Jokowi praised Risma as a hard worker who was brave and close to the people.

“She has it all. Risma is well-suited to become a president,” he said.

Commenting on Risma's recent political conflict with city officials, Jokowi insisted she should remain in office.

“She shouldn't [step down],” he said, as quoted by Antara news agency.

The City Mayors Foundation gave Risma the award for February citing her success in providing free education and health care for the poor in Surabaya.

Risma is also known for finding alternative livelihoods for prostitutes in the city.