TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Anies Baswedan-Cak Imin campaign team’s spokesperson Billy David assessed that the new bill on Jakarta’s special status, or DKJ Bill, which allows the president to elect the city governor is loaded with the spirit of authoritarianism.

“We feel a more powerful spirit of authoritarianism through there (the bill),” Billy said at the Perubahan Secretariat Office in Jakarta, on Thursday, Dec. 7.

The House of Representatives (DPR) is currently under discussion about the bill, which will determine the status of Jakarta after it loses its capital city status next year. The DPR has recently approved the bill as a draft legislation proposed by the House.

The bill has sparked controversy as it will deprive Jakartans of their right to elect a governor. The bill stipulates that the governor and deputy governor of Jakarta will be appointed and dismissed by the president by taking into account the Regional Legislative Council’s (DPRD) input.

Billy also mentioned that all political parties joined in the Coalition for Change that backs Anies Baswedan and Cak Imin in the upcoming 2024 presidential election have expressed their objection to the bill. These political parties include the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and the Nasdem Party. The community has also expressed rejection.

“Politicians, everyone rejects it. Even the Democratic Party has rejected it,” he added.

The objection to the bill arises from the fear of eroding democracy in Indonesia. “After the reform era, we directly elect our leaders,” Billy said, hoping that the DPR would involve the public in the discussion of the DKJ Bill.

TIKA AYU

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