TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Acting Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat refused to comment on a statement made by Jakarta Governor-elect Anies Baswedan who wants to use reclamation islets for public’s interests.

“Why should I respond [to Anies’ statement]?” Djarot said on Friday, May 19, 2017. “He is allowed to have a plan of his own.”

According to Djarot, the reclamation project is not solely under the Jakarta administration’s authority.

“It’s related to the central government and the existing regulations. That’s why I can’t comment about it,” Djarot explained.

Anies, who ran with Sandiaga Uno, trumped incumbent Jakarta governor and deputy governor candidates Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok and Djarot Saiful Hidayat. Since the campaign period, Anies has been firmed that he is against the Jakarta Bay reclamation project.

On Tuesday, Anies released a statement suggesting that the reclamation islets should be used for public’s interests. He also said that the island will be managed by the provincial administration and must benefit the general public.

FRISKI RIANA