It has not yet reached the government area or my desk either. Hence, let it processJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo stated that the governor of Jakarta should be elected by the people.
"If you ask me, I say that the (Jakarta) governor should be elected (by the people)," he remarked after the launch of the Ancol Sentiong Water Pumping Station here on Monday.
Jokowi, as the president is widely known, made this statement in response to the polemic of the Jakarta Special Region Bill (RUU DKJ) regarding the appointment of the governor and deputy governor by the president.
Article 10, paragraph 2 of the bill states that the governor and deputy governor are selected, appointed, and dismissed by the president by considering the recommendation or opinion of the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD).
Jokowi reminded that the provision is still in the form of a bill and is an initiative of the House of Representatives (DPR). He stated that the RUU DKJ had yet to reach his desk for his signature.
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"Yes, it is still in the form of a bill and is the House's initiative. It has not yet reached the government area or my desk either. Hence, let it process," he stated.
Earlier, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian remarked that the Jakarta Special Region Bill, especially its provision on the appointment of governorship, is the DPR's initiative.
Karnavian noted that his side would further study the idea of appointing the Jakarta governor and deputy governor by the president. It is because so far, regional leaders, like governors, are elected by the people.
He emphasized that the government does not agree with the provision in the bill. As Jakarta will no longer bear the national capital status, it should elect its regional heads through regional elections.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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