TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta governor candidate-to-be Anies Baswedan is committed to continuing the development programs of the three preceding governors in the past 10 years, namely Fauzi Bowo, Joko Widodo, and Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
“My commitment is to continue the good programs [implemented] in the past 10 years,” Anies said during the unveiling of a volunteer outpost in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, Friday, September 30, 2016.
Anies sees that Jakarta administration has not been doing its best in tackling several issues, such as floods and traffic jams. “[Jakarta] has only used 50% [of its budget]. Meaning that half of the programs have not been implemented. The programs are good, but the implementation has not been satisfactory,” he said.
Employment opportunities, affordable staple food and preservation of Jakarta history will be the top priorities for Anies and his running mate Sandiaga Uno if they got elected for the office in 2017-2022. Anies observed that the current administration has been focusing on the development of hard infrastructures instead of the soft ones, such as its culture.
According to him, Jakarta does not have a public space to showcase its history.“Governor must preserve [Jakarta’s] history,” he said.
As for education program, Anies plans to upgrade the quality of the state schools to compete with the private schools. Despite having the funds, Jakarta has not been paying enough attention to schools. “Teachers play an important role in shaping the children's future,” he said.
FRISKI RIANA
