Jakarta – Noted economist Faisal Basri officially announced Friday that local politician Biem Benjamin would become his running mate in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, which is expected to be held mid next year.
"We just want to say, 'let's work together to build Jakarta!'" Faisal said in his opening remarks at the historical Gedung Joang 45 on Jl. Menteng Raya in Central Jakarta on Friday.
Through the slogan "Berdaya Bareng-Bareng" (empowering together) Faisal and Biem expressed their vision that the people of Jakarta should spearhead all attempts to build and improve the city. "The people must be actively involved in contributing ideas, concepts and real efforts in developing Jakarta," Faisal said.
The 52-year-old was one among few independent candidates that have expressed their eagerness to join in the fray in the election. Other independent hopefuls include former youth and sports minister Adhyaksa Dault, former economic minister Marzuki Usman and the chairman of the fan club of rock band Slank, Firman Abadi.
By announcing Biem as his running mate on Friday, Faisal has emerged as the first independent candidate to do so.
Political parties have also started championing their hopefuls for the election, although campaigning has not officially begun yet. Nachrowi Ramli has been touted as a candidate by the Democratic Party, while the Prosperous Justice Party will likely nominate senior party official and city council member Triwisaksana.
Other hopefuls include Djan Faridz, chairman of the Jakarta chapter of Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama; chairman of Golkar Party Jakarta chapter chairman Prya Ramadhani along with lawmaker Aziz Syamsuddin and former marine Nono Sampono. Incumbent governor Fauzi Bowo is also expected to seek re-election next year.
Biem said that should they win next year's election and become Jakarta's first independent governor and deputy governor, the pair would not have to think about pleasing owners of capital in creating city policies. "As independents we won't have any political debts other than to the people," he said.
According to Biem, their camp would depend on public donations as their campaign funds. So far, the pair had collected more than Rp 500 million [US$56,000].
Their five key programs were also revealed on Friday, namely creating more open green spaces, solving traffic jams by establishing a convenient public transit system, providing clean water and better sanitation, increasing city budget usage efficiency and spreading the city's economic growth to other regions in the country.
As independent candidates, the pair are required by law to gather the signatures and copies of ID cards of 4 percent of citizens, amounting to some 400,000 people, to officially register to join the election. "As of today, we have collected 60,000 signatures and ID card photocopies," Biem said. (mim)