Jakarta Governor 'Violent' Way of Upholding the Law Criticised

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Hundreds have been forced to vacate their homes in the area of Kampung Pulo, East Jakarta early on Thursday 20 August 2015,  as Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama declared those who do not own legitimate land certification would have their homes taken by the government. Such gesture surely invites popular outcry with the immediate repercussion, includes a violent clash between angry residents and law enforcers that were assigned to secure the parameter.

Despite the fact the majority of those who were evicted have moved into the flats situated in the northern part of Jatinegara provided by the government as compensation to their lost, still it cannot be denied that the way Governor Basuki used to uphold the law earns itself some nationwide attention. Criticism does not only come from the people whose homes were taken, but also from the Coordinating Minister of Human Development and Culture, Puan Maharani.

Minister Puan criticizes the way in which Governor Ahok used to build people to people relations, and claims that the Governor has resorted to violence instead of exploiting peaceful methods along the way.

"We truly hope for anything that has to do with the people is done in a more persuasive manner. From there we can start brainstorming and weigh the good and the bad out of such decision, not to portray the violent gesture of government to its people,” Minister Puan said in Jakarta, Monday (24/8/2015).

Governor Basuki surely executed such mission to vacate residents who live in the banks of Ciliwung river with sufficient evidence, supporting the idea that a very large portion of these people do not want to comply with the government’s rules and that talking to them followed by brainstorming. As to achieve final decision would only make it even more acceptable for these people to stay longer illegally.

Governor Basuki previously uttered his principality which dwell on the notion of being the man, who upholds the law even in doing so he has to lose the popular support. (Akp/Tnt)