Award for 'Bang' Ali

Award for 'Bang' Ali

The Indonesian Institute of Sciences presented the Sarwono Award to former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin for his great efforts in developing marine science and technology. On Saturday Ali, better known as Bang Ali, also received the Cipta Utama Award from the Jakarta Arts Council for his vision to build the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center (TIM) among other art centers.

The 75-year-old retired marine general has also received awards from Yogyakarta for his achievement in promoting batik in the 1970s.

Last year Ali was also awarded for his initiative in the establishment of the badminton club, Jaya Raya, which has produced world champion shuttlers.

The phenomenal 'Bang' Ali should always be remembered as the visionary behind the Lembaga Bantuan Hukum (Legal Aid Institute), and the construction of youth centers in the five mayoralties of the capital.

While Jakarta is busy with the election of governor for the 2002-2007 term, awards for Ali make us think what kind of governor Jakarta really needs. It is not that easy to find a governor who can implement his bright visions and ideas like Ali Sadikin could.

The outspoken Ali is a staunch critic of his successors' policies who have been progressively destroying what he built and managed. Not one of his successors has taken his advice or responded positively to his criticism. It is no wonder then, that what we have now is a chaotic capital city.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta