Betawi want gubernatorial seat

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.