TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has admitted he will not get in the way on Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Luar Batang residents's plan of filing a class action lawsuit on him (Ahok). However, Ahok hopes that the lawsuit would not hinder the development of Luar Batang.

“Go ahead. If they want to file a class action lawsuit. But don’t let the PAM [regional water company] case happened again. You filed a class action lawsuit that hindered development, the process took so long that halted the development. And if you lose, you won’t get punished,” Ahok said today at the City Hall. “It should be noted by the people, that your action will only hinder the development,” he said.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the defense lawyer of Luar Batang residents, said he will have a class action lawsuit prepared in a week’s time against Jakarta administration and bring it to the State Administrative Court (PTUN).

The lawsuit is against Jakarta administration that failed to issue either a decree or warrant of eviction in Luar Batang Village eviction. Yusril has accused Ahok of intentionally omitting the issuance of a decree to avoid a lawsuit as happened to Bidaracina residents.

Even though he cannot file a lawsuit over the issuance of a warrant, the constitutional law expert considered that a class action can be filed against the Governor, based on the State Administrative Law.

DESTRIANITA KUSUMASTUTI