TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has spoken up about the new bill on the special status of Jakarta, the DKJ bill, which allows the president to elect a governor and deputy governor. He expressed support for the governor of Jakarta to be directly elected. He also asked that the bill under discussion be processed.

The House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the DKJ bill as its initiative proposal during the 10th plenary meeting on Tuesday, December 5.

Article 10 of the DKJ Bill stipulates that the appointment and dismissal of the governor and deputy governor of Jakarta will be under the authority of the president after Jakarta loses its status as the capital city.

The bill has come under public scrutiny as it is seen as stripping Jakartans of their right to elect a governor.

“If you ask me, the governor is directly elected,” the President told reporters in Pademangan District, North Jakarta, on Monday, December 11.

He did not elaborate further on whether he meant being elected directly by the president or by the public through general elections.

He said the regulation was still in the form of a bill and had not yet been submitted to the government.

“That is the DPR's initiative and has not yet reached the government. It has not reached my desk either. So let it be processed,” Jokowi said.

DANIEL A. FAJRI | MUTIA YUANTISYA

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