Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is firm on its stance that future Jakarta governors should be elected by Jakarta residents instead of being appointed by the central government, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian stated.

"The government's stance is clear, (the governor) should be elected as the current system stands, not appointed," Karnavian emphasized at the working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Legislative Body here on Wednesday.

The minister made the remarks in connection with the public response to the Jakarta Special Region Bill that, as some public members opined, will abolish the direct election of Jakarta governor, effectively making it an appointed office.

Karnavian said he intends to respond to the public through a formal platform by presenting his remarks at the meeting with the DPR RI Legislative Body.

He also noted that the election method of the Jakarta governor will be one of the government's focus on the bill deliberation.

"There are some other issues in the Jakarta Special Region Bill. We believe wise and prudent understanding is necessary for the next deliberation sessions," Karnavian stated.

Meanwhile, DPR RI Legislative Body chairperson Supratman Andi Agtas remarked that the Jakarta Special Region Bill will comprise 12 sections and 72 articles regulating four aspects.

The proposed law will regulate Jakarta's special status as the nation's economic center, global city, and urban agglomeration; offer solutions to address issues in Jakarta and its surrounding areas and the development synergy in the Greater Jakarta area; and regulate the monitoring of law enforcement.

Agtas highlighted that the fourth aspect regarding the appointment and dismissal of the Jakarta governor by the president and the governor's special authority has become a public discourse.

"Though it has caused debates in the public, we will wait for the final stance from the government and will deliberate it again with DPR RI fractions," the parliament's legislative body chair stated.

He said the government has also dispatched the president's letter enumerating 734 items of potential issues in the Bill and its addendum that should be addressed.

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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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