TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan talked about the struggle of native Indonesians (pribumi) against colonialism at his speech in Jakarta City Hall on Monday, October 16.
During the speech, Anies Baswedan suggested that the pribumi used to be suppressed and defeated. He also stated that Jakarta is one of the many Indonesian cities that have a first-hand experience of close proximity colonialism.
“Colonialism is clearly visible and can be felt every day by residents of Jakarta,’ said Anies.
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The speech that lasted for 21 minutes officially marks his first post-inauguration speech as the Jakarta governor throughout 2017-2022. He replaces the previous governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok.
Anies continued his speech by stating that the promises for the Jakartans must be fulfilled considering that Indonesia has survived against colonialism and has claimed independence. He then suggested that it is time for Indonesians to truly take back control from foreigners.
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Anies Baswedan said that Indonesia was not established to exclusively suite certain groups of people. He reiterated the President Soekarno's statement that said: we must build a nation for all the people, not just for one individual, or one group of people, not for the aristocrats or the rich, but for everyone.
FRISKI RIANA