Jakarta’s Governor Election: It Proves People Supremacy

As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is the barometer from all systems; political or even social systems. This is because all representations from Indonesia live and stay in here. So, this city is the miniature of Indonesia.

Last 20th September, Jakarta’s Governor Election was held. It was the second round. In the first round, there were six candidates. In the next round, there were two candidates. They are the incumbent Fauzi Bowo (Foke) with Nachrowi Ramli (Nara) and Mayor of Solo City Joko Widodo (Jokowi) with Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok).

Foke - Nara were supported by the biggest parties in the parliament. Jokowi - Ahok were supported by two opposition parties. But at last, political parties could be defeated by voters rationality, especially the idealist youths. Based on Quick Count result, Jokowi – Ahok win the election.
This winning is a new political phenomenon in Indonesia. This is the interview with the famous Indonesia political observer, Ari Junaedi.


Q: What caused the governor’s election in Jakarta becomes a new political phenomenon in Indonesia?

A: It broke a paradigm that to be a leader from political party, we have to pay money. The political cost is very high. Jokowi didn’t pay. He was chosen by his party because he is a qualified cadre. That’s the first.

The second, Jokowi – Ahok are the representations from young generations. Their advertisements are for the rational and educated voters. It is different from Foke who targeting the old ones. In fact, young generations are growing and the old ones will be replaced.

Third, Jokowi and Ahok are the leaders from small area. Jokowi is the Mayor of Solo City in Central Java Province. Ahok is the Regent of Manggar in Belitung Province. As the local leader, they are successfully improving their region. It must be appreciated, because there are successful local leaders.

Q: Jokowi – Ahok are identic with boxes pattern shirt. What is the philosophy from these square patterns that caused Boxes Revolution?

A: To be honest, this is an accident. When they wanted to register themselves, they didn’t know what to wear. One of their volunteers searched in Tanah Abang Grocery Center. Finally, he found the shirts with this pattern.

Then this pattern is identified with the various things in Jakarta. From the problems like traffic jam and flood, nations from all over Indonesia who live in Jakarta. But it doesn’t mean that this various cause separation. Boxes patterns are same in seize, so there is no difference.

At last, Boxes Revolution is formed. That’s the symbol of fighting. It proves that money politics to get support from political parties is no longer effective. All decisions are in people’s hands. People’s supremacy can defeat the political parties power.

Q: Is there another factor that wins Jokowi – Ahok?

A: People’s frustration in political party corruption cases. There are so many political parties cadres are involved in corruption cases. People want to change. There is no money politics when Jokowi and Ahok were chosen by their parties. They were chosen for their quality.

Q: Can Jakarta’s election be the reflection for president’s election in 2014?

A: Jakarta is various and plural. It is Indonesia miniature. What happened in Jakarta will be happened in other provinces in Indonesia. Now, the politicians are identified themselves as good as Jokowi. Jokowi is the political role model and he is considered as a sexy figure for politics.

Q: Can we generalize Jakarta’s condition with any other regions in Indonesia, considered that there are so many differences between Jakarta with those provinces. Most of Jakarta societies are well-educated and they can get information easily.

A: Every province is not the same. But the key to be a leader wherever they lead remains the same. A leader should be able to absorb and articulate what their people want. If people want a free access to get education, give it to them! If farmers want fertilizer, give it to them. That’s what Jokowi – Ahok di. By learning that, what happened in Jakarta through Jokowi – Ahok’s victory can be spread in all over Indonesia.