TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As DKI Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo continues to gain popularity and supporters, criticism has been directed toward the governor’s performance this past year. The most recent criticism is from the head of the House of Representatives’ Democrat faction, Nurhayati Ali Assegaf.
Nurhayati previously condemned the mayor by saying that an incident such as the recent fire that engulfed some 1,000 homes in the Kelapa Gading area never occurred during former mayor Fauzi Bowo’s leadership. He also mentioned Joko’s rejection of affordable cars and said that during Joko’s time as mayor of Surakarta, he vigorously promoted the cheap Esemka car.
Joko, more popularly known as Jokowi, calmly responded to this criticism on Thursday and said, "We’ll use it to evaluate, whatever it is, I never have negative thoughts."
Jokowi said the important thing is that this past year, he has always been working for the sake of the people. He added that the public, analysts or even political parties are allowed to observe, evaluate and comment on his performance.
LINDA TRIANITA