DPRD Criticizes Anies Missing Plenary Meeting, Deputy Governor Riza: What's Important Is That Provincial Government Representatives Attend

Jakarta DPRD Plenary Session, Monday, April 25, 2022/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria installed a body for the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan who was not present at the plenary meeting of the results of the DPRD discussion on the 2021 Governor's Accountability Statement (LKPJ) report.

This morning, Anies preferred to visit the location of the fire at Pasar Gembrong, East Jakarta, and meet the affected residents.

"Pak Anies has an event at the same time. We are used to it, if there are alternate events. So if there is an event that cannot be missed, we take turns," said Riza at the DKI Jakarta DPRD building, Monday, April 25.

Although the agenda of the plenary meeting this time discussed Anies' responsibility as an executive regarding the use and achievement of the 2021 APBD budget, his presence could be represented. In this case, the representative of Anies is Riza.

"In principle, if he can attend, he will definitely attend because there are activities that cannot be left behind. So, I represent, it's the same. What's important is that the provincial government representatives are present," said Riza.

Riza also promised to convey a number of DPRD notes as outlined in today's plenary meeting to Anies.

Previously, the Golkar faction member of the DKI DPRD Basri Baco regretted Anies' absence at today's plenary meeting. Baco views that Anies needs to be present in person to better understand the needs of the people of Jakarta conveyed by the absorption of the aspirations of the council members to be fulfilled by the DKI Provincial Government.

"A strong message for the Governor, for the Deputy Governor, and for the executive, please don't give importance to self-image interests. Think about the fate of the people of Jakarta," said Baco.

Similarly, member of the PDIP faction of the DKI DPRD, Jhonny Simanjuntak, viewed Anies' absence from plenary meetings of LKPJ and plenary meetings on the use of the budget several times before, indicating that Anies considered Jakartans unimportant.

Because, in this plenary meeting, the DPRD also conveys the absorption of the aspirations of the citizens that need to be included in the DKI Provincial Government program.

"This plenary meeting is a strategic and important event. Actually, when he is not present, Pak Anies is the same as dismissing the citizens of Jakarta, considering the citizens of Jakarta as unimportant. Because members of the DPRD through the election process of Jakarta residents want and vote," said Jhonny.