The inauguration of Syamsul Arifin as governor of North Sumatra last Monday turned noisy when Syamsul breached protocol and lept off stage to thank his mother before officiating his appointment with the Home Minister.

Among some 1,000 invitees including state guests and VIPs, Home Minister Mardiyanto and the speaker of the provincial legislative council, Abdul Wahab Dalimunthe, were reduced to shaking their heads in dismay.

Upon uttering his oath of office while facing the home minister, white-uniformed Syamsul removed his hat and searched for his mother in the audience.

He stepped off the stage and approached his mother Fadlah, bowed and kissed her, while his wife, Fatimah Habibie, and their two daughters, Arbiana and Asyha Samira, looked on.

Denied the opportunity to congratulate Syamsul, the minister and Dalimunthe (who presided over the plenary session where the installment was conducted) went back to their seats.

After paying special homage to his mother, Syamsul returned to the front row beside Vice Governor Gatot Pudjonugroho and bowed to thank the audience.

According to protocol, Syamsul and Gatot should have signed a document testifying their inauguration as governor and vice governor for the 2008-2013 period, with the minister and chief councilor as witnesses.

After finally signing the document as required, Syamsul invited all guests to join a reception at the governor's official residence nearby. Then, at the front door of his residence, along with the vice governor, he personally welcomed guests including hundreds of orphans.

Previously, Syamsul had caused public dismay at Polonia airport when he arrived with several aides in plain clothes and sandals to welcome the minister and his entourage.

The minister admitted he failed to recognize Syamsul in his casual attire.

Following the inauguration ceremony, House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono said he was proud of the new governor's popular profile and modesty, which had won the hearts of his guests.

"He is a rare figure and a man of 2008, loving his own people."

Syamsul's election was unexpected, because besides lacking preparation and funds, his candidacy was registered with the provincial general elections commission (KPUD) just minutes before the deadline.

"Luck took the side of Syamsul and his running mate Gatot. They won, not because of their policies or money, but because they took political advantage of their rivals' weaknesses," North Sumatra University rector Chairddin Lubis said.

Syamsul's friends and colleagues say his personality made him popular.

"He (Syamsul) does not like protocol. Almost every day, dozens of Langkat residents from different backgrounds line up to meet him.

"That is why residents elected him as regent for two consecutive terms," 46-year-old becak driver Zulkarnain said.

Johnson Sagala, who along with Syamsul led the Langkat chapter of the Indonesian Forum for Servicemen's Children (FKPPI) and the Indonesian Youth Organization (KNPI) from 1980 to 1988, said Syamsul made friends easily.

"He is friendly with everyone," he said.