7-12-2023 (JAKARTA) Concerns have been raised over a provision in a bill under discussion in the House of Representatives that could potentially strip Jakarta’s 10 million residents of their right to elect a governor. The bill, known as the Jakarta special designation bill, is being developed to provide a legal framework for Jakarta’s position after it loses its status as the national capital next year.
The government has set August of next year as the deadline for relocating the capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan. The bill aims to maintain Jakarta’s status as an autonomous province and the country’s economic center. During a House plenary session on Tuesday (Dec 5), eight out of nine political parties endorsed the bill as a House initiative, with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) being the only party in opposition.
However, critics have taken issue with a provision in the bill that grants the president the sole authority to appoint and dismiss Jakarta governors and deputy governors, with input from the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD). According to the bill, the appointed governor would serve for five years and be eligible for reappointment for another five-year term. The governor would also have the power to appoint mayors and regents of Jakarta’s constituent municipalities and regencies, similar to the city’s current arrangement.
The PKS opposed the bill, citing concerns over the removal of regional elections and the lack of public participation in the deliberations. Party lawmaker Hermanto emphasized the need to maintain regional elections to ensure consistent democracy. Other lawmakers, including those who supported the bill, criticized the provision that takes away Jakartans’ right to elect their regional leaders.
Gilbert Simanjuntak, a politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), argued that granting the president sole authority over the appointment of Jakarta’s governor goes against the spirit of regional autonomy. He stated that the bill gives even more power to the president and resembles the central government’s control over regions during the Soeharto era.
Herman Suparman from the Regional Autonomy Watch (KPPOD) expressed concerns that having an appointed governor would undermine the legitimacy of the regional government and reduce Jakartans’ influence in decision-making processes. He pointed out that the interim governor, Heru Budi Hartono, who was appointed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, faced criticism for his performance and policies not aligning with the public’s interests.
Achmad Baidowi, the leader of the House working committee on the Jakarta special designation bill, defended the provision by stating that it allows the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) to propose names for the president’s consideration. He argued that this process would accommodate Jakartans’ interests while saving the costs associated with holding a regional election. However, the version of the bill obtained by The Jakarta Post does not mention any obligation for the president to select from the proposed names but rather to consider the suggestions and opinions of the DPRD.
Presidential expert staff coordinator Ari Dwipayana dismissed speculation of President Jokowi’s influence on the bill and clarified that it is a House initiative. The next step involves the President appointing several ministers to represent the government in the deliberation process.
As the bill progresses, concerns remain regarding the potential impact on Jakarta’s governance, stability, and democratic processes. Critics argue that preserving the right to elect regional leaders is crucial for ensuring public representation and accountability in decision-making.
