Karisma Ali Sadikin 'Rocking' Soeharto

JAKARTA - Ali Sadikin is a charismatic leader. The governor of Jakarta (1966-1977) did not only beautify Jakarta with big, controversial ideas: gambling and prostitution. Its popularity beat Soeharto. Ali Sadikin has even been called the strongest Indonesian presidential candidate to replace The Smiling General.

The figure nicknamed 'Kennedy from the East' was very close to the people, especially those who criticized him. Ali Sadikin is remembered as a governor who upheld the principles. During his tenure, he was known to be brave and stubborn.

He was never intimidated by the pressures of the wealthy. Ali Sadikin also likes to be straightforward. In fact, he did not hesitate to criticize government tools, including President Soeharto's various policies.

This is because a governor's business is responsible to the people of Jakarta, from the infancy to the cemetery. All because of Ali Sadikin's ability to do big enough.

Because he is not a long-winded figure. He is not an intellectual type that tends to be abstract. However, he is a deft figure in his actions. Therefore, it is not wrong for Ali Sadikin to be called a human being who did, 'a doer'.

The proof is that Jakarta is making major improvements, albeit by perpetuating controversial policies: gambling and prostitution. What is clear, Ali Sadikin was able to increase regional government revenue from Rp.66 million per year to Rp.122 billion per year in 1977.

"This achievement does not only invite praise. Bang Ali was once accused of being the governor of immorality and gambling by the scholars. They are very displeased with their policy of formalizing gambling and localizing sex workers in Kramat-tunggak, North Jakarta, ”said Edy Budiyarso in his writing in Tempo Magazine entitled Ali Sadikin: The Problem of Gambling is My Personal Responsibility to God (2000).

"But Ali Sadikin was not afraid. He had a reason: brothels were necessary to rid the streets of the capital city prostitutes and make it easier to control their health. Meanwhile, gambling is legalized because in addition to being controllable, it also incurs significant taxes for the DKI Regional Government. Apart from gambling, bars and massage parlors have received official permits - they will soon be mushrooming in the center of Jakarta, "he added.

As a figure who took action, Ali Sadikin also fixed small things that might disturb the view of Jakarta. Apart from echoing the village improvement project, Ali Sadikin also started repairing roads, installing shelters waiting for buses, and disciplining bus ticket brokers.

In that case, Ali Sadikin lightly punched his hands when he saw the cheating police or ticket brokers who blackmailed the people of Jakarta. Ali Sadikin's other achievements can be seen from the presence of Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, National Monument (Monas), Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), and so on.

The actions taken by Ali Sadikin for Jakarta made him a responsible person. Included in receiving criticism and insults. When the religious scholars criticized him to legalize gambling, for example. Ali Sadikin was not afraid to put on his body. He revealed: If I allow sinful gambling, let me go to hell.

"Ali Sadikin, as I have written, must take care of a people who are nearly twice as many as the total population of the Republic of Singapore, with a much more adequate budget. But his activities, his determination, his courage, and aided by his capable face, have succeeded in winning the hearts of the people of Jakarta, including women, ”wrote Mochtar Lubis in his writing in the WE Daily entitled One Lifestyle (1968).

That brilliant record of achievement is what makes Ali Sadikin considered the best governor to ever lead Jakarta, at least to this day. Along with that, Ali Sadikin was transformed into an important and popular figure.

As a result, its popularity does not only resonate in Jakarta, but also in the archipelago. The researcher who focuses on studying Jakarta known as Susan Blackburn - formerly Susan Abeyasekere - agrees with this.

According to Susan Blackburn, Ali Sadikin is a handsome, assertive figure, and has a great sense of humor. Often times Ali Sadikin is also predicted to be a charismatic figure. Compared to Suharto, Ali Sadikin was much more energetic and attractive.

Ali Sadikin, said Susan Blackburn, was very close and friendly to the people, unlike Suharto, who was cold and boring. In addition, Ali Sadikin did not like feudalism in any form. Meanwhile Soeharto highly valued harmony and status.

“The word 'hard' is often used against Ali Sadikin to describe his independent thinking and not easily shaken. He is ready to face conflict and criticism head on. The Islamic education he received in West Java made it easy for Ali Sadikin to get along with religious leaders in Jakarta, but he did not hesitate to enjoy modern dance, modern art, and the 'trendier' side of city life. Soeharto is definitely bored in comparison and saturated with all the speculation that Ali Sadikin might follow Suharto's footsteps to become president - or even replace him, "wrote Susan Blackburn in the book Jakarta History 400 Years (2011).

This fact is also supported by the views of almost everyone who has had business with Indonesia, or visited the national capital, of course, knows Ali Sadikin. Traces of his hard work, which is full of discipline, can be seen from the changing face of a shabby Jakarta to a modern one.

He is considered the only sincere figure in building Jakarta. Moreover, Ali Sadikin is known to care about the fate of all Jakarta residents, along with their cultural instruments.

“His handsome looks, slender, agile, and black hair made people associate him with the Kennedy of the East. Ali Sadikin has a lot of personal appeal. Ali Sadikin is whether he wants to admit it or not, according to the views of some political groups, a presidential candidate. insiders say that Ali Sadikin, although not actively pursuing that position, might pursue him when things are good, "wrote The Indonesian Letter in 1970 quoted by Ali Sadikin in his book Ali Sadikin: displacing and building (1977).

Ali Sadikin's popularity was also encouraged by a pair of students as an alternative candidate in the presidential election at the MPR General Session in March 1978. The actors were Dipo Alam (Chemical Engineering, University of Indonesia) and Babang Sulistomo (FISIP, University of Indonesia), whose son Bung Tomo also proposed figures. in the big pulpit in the TIM.

As a result, Ali Sadikin's name as a presidential candidate appeared in the form of a petition that was sent everywhere. It was recorded that those who received the petition were the leaders of the MPR and DPR, DPRD Jakarta, Kaskopkamtib, Golkar, ABRI, LBH, and leaders of political parties.

The reaction of the people at that time was quite big. The media crew then looked for Ali Sadikin to ask for clarification. Ali Sadikin himself was quite surprised at that time. He even admitted that he didn't know the two.

Nevertheless, Ali said that the actions of the two students were legitimate. Moreover, it is their right as students to speak as citizens who wish to express their own opinions.

"One of Dipo Alam and Bambang Sulistomo also explained at that time: President Soeharto was not unsuccessful. In fact, Suharto's success must be encouraged. And accelerating development requires people like Ali Sadikin, ”Ali Sadikin told Ramadhan KH in the book Bang Ali: Demi Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).

* Read other information about the HISTORY of JAKARTA or read other interesting articles from Detha Arya Tifada.