Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Fauzi Bowo, better known by the nickname “Foke”, in all probability is the new governor of Jakarta. While official results from the capital’s elections yesterday are due out next week, exit polls already assign victory to Fauzi. Turnout was low for these the first elections directed by Jakarta for the position of Governor, a post up until now, appointed by the government. Voters were discouraged by the fact that less than half of the citizens have they right to vote and the complex voting mechanism.
“Foke”, the current vice governor, studied at the prestigious Kolese Kanisius High School, run by the Jesuits, while Priyanto is a former army general who is involved in territorial issues.
The victorious couple won 56.12%; supported by 20 different political formations including the Golkar Party and the Indonesian Democracy Party Struggle (PDIP), they are considered to be two nationalists, supporters of the Constitutions basic principals of pluralism in Indonesian society. This is why they had a staunch following among the ethnic and religious minorities in the city; these minorities had expressed grave concern on the eve of the vote for the possible victory of the other candidate, Adang Daradjatun –a former chief of police supported by the Prosperous and Justice Party (PKS) – who yesterday won 44.9% of the vote.
The Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla has already congratulated Fauzi- Priyanto, inviting him to “will continue former Governor’s program and maintain the running system as promulgated by the incumbent Governor Sutiyoso. “They (Fauzi and Priyanto) should make significant changes in enhancing program to provide clean and healthy water and housing infrastructure. Jakarta should be seriously maintained in coping with troubles such as big floods and the green area in the city”.
Kiai Haj Hasyim Muzadi, president of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, invited the defeated candidates to accept the results and “learn from their lesson”. (MH).