The governor's next hurdle<\/p>\n
Most governors of Jakarta have always been popular and loved
\nand remembered by the people. They were given nicknames as a
\ntoken of affection, like Bung Nolly (for Gen. Cokropranolo, who
\npassed away several days ago), Bang Ali (the very popular marine
\ncorps general, Ali Sadikin, who turned politician and head of the
\nPetition Group of 50).<\/p>\n
Ali Sadikin changed the face of Jakarta to look like a
\nmetropolis with its skyscrapers and well-planned road system. But
\nwhat I want to mention in this letter is our present governor,
\nwho seems to make lots of policy mistakes and causes unnecessary
\nproblems. He is so inconsistent in his planning that it seems he
\nacts first and thinks later.<\/p>\n
The first was car stickers to be purchased to gain admittance
\nto certain streets, but it seems the regulation was not properly
\nprepared and the public protested the plan.<\/p>\n
In Singapore, at certain hours you have to buy stickers to
\ngain entry to certain roads. The number of people in the car is
\nirrelevant. This regulation is strictly adhered to and earn money
\nfor the government.<\/p>\n
His biggest blunder is the case of becak (pedicabs). These
\nvehicles have been forbidden in Jakarta for a long time and
\npeople got used to their absence. But suddenly the governor
\ndecided to allow the pedicab to operate again in Jakarta. Pedicab
\ndrivers flocked to Jakarta, spending money to buy their vehicles
\nand transport them to Jakarta in the hope of earning money in
\nthese very difficult times.<\/p>\n
They came from all over Java. But after a few days, the
\ngovernor banned the pedicab and here the trouble started.<\/p>\n
In the first place, why did the governor allow pedicabs to
\noperate here again after they were banned ages ago by his
\npredecessors?<\/p>\n
Trouble started, pedicab drivers staged demonstrations, and
\noffices in West Jakarta were burned down and destroyed.
\nUnnecessary problems have been created at a time when peace and
\norder are desperately needed.<\/p>\n
I think he stated that he knew the identity of the rioters in
\nGlodok, but when pressed for details he said that what he meant
\nwas that he knew from where they came.<\/p>\n
Another thing which is difficult to understand is his decision
\nto allow the ex-president's grandson to participate in the
\noperation of PAM water company. But this has been canceled
\nbecause it was clearly related to corruption, collusion and
\nnepotism.<\/p>\n
Now the governor is going to face the biggest test of his
\ncareer. All the previous problems are nothing compared to the
\nproblem he faces next. According to reports, Soeharto has built a
\nresidence in the compound of the museum in Taman Mini Indonesia
\nIndah, which was completed in 1993. An official of the Jakarta
\ngovernor's office claims that the building has no building permit
\n(IMB) and the necessary taxes have not been paid. What is the
\ngovernor going to do? He knows that everybody is equal before the
\nlaw and at this time of reform everybody is expected to get equal
\ntreatment before the law. We know that the government is going to
\nact firmly and resolutely against all kinds of violations
\nirrespective of the position of the violators.<\/p>\n
Mr. Governor, be brave, in this particular case we are all
\nbehind you and watching, so don't feel lonely!<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-governors-next-hurdle-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }