Betawi want gubernatorial seat

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The indigenous people of Jakarta, the Betawi, are joining the chorus of other regions in asking for more recognition in the capital, demanding that for once the city should have an indigenous Betawi as governor.

Speaking in a press conference after meeting President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday, chairman of the Betawi Community Consultative Body, Abdul Syukur, said the Betawi people should be given a chance to lead the capital.

"I do not see any reason why the capital should always be led by people of other ethnic backgrounds. Now, there are many Betawi smart enough to become Jakarta's governor," Abdul said.

In Jakarta, the local Betawi have become a minority with the huge number of migrants that keep coming to the capital with hopes of a better life. The newcomers have managed to rapidly develop their businesses and, in every field, they have gradually gained a better position than the Jakarta natives.

According to Abdul Syukur, currently only 11 out of the 85 legislators in Jakarta are Betawi, and only a few of them have an important place in the city administration.

The current Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso is due to end his tenure in 2002. In his administration there is one prominent Betawi figure, Fauzi Bowo, the incumbent city secretary.

The only Betawi figure that managed to reach a high position in the city administration was Eddy M. Nalapraja, who was deputy governor from 1984 to 1988.

Abdul said Megawati and her husband, Taufik Kiemas, would be awarded the title of honorary Betawi people, which would be presented on Jan. 20 at Bung Karno Stadium.

Megawati, who has often said that excessive regional pride would be the downfall of the country, did not give any immediate response toward Abdul's demand. She just smiled, said Abdul.