Anies Read The Book How Democracies Die, Deputy Governor: Do Not Need To Be Exaggerated

Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan reads the book How Democracies Die (Instagram / @ aniesbaswedan)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria asked the public not to over-interpret the message about DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan reading the book How Democracies Die.

Anies' reading is uploaded on his social media account. Many parties responded with pro and contra tones, thus linking it to the issue of democracy in Indonesia.

"I think we need to act wisely. There is no need to over-interpret it," said Riza at the City Hall of DKI, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, November 24.

According to Riza, it was common for Anies as a regional leader to read books of various titles. Therefore, Riza considers that the title of the book Anies read does not need to be related to a certain context.

"Pak Anies and many other leaders used to read books. The titles were various, ranging from the titles of religious matters to cultural arts. So, I think we will act wisely," said Riza.

It is known, through his social media, namely Twitter, Facebok, and Instagram, Anies uploaded a photo of himself wearing a white shirt and sitting in a gloved while seriously reading the book How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.

In the background of the photo is a cabinet displaying books and a number of ornaments. In addition, there is also a long table with a number of photos and calligraphy paintings hanging on the wall.

"Good morning everyone. Enjoy Sunday morning," he wrote on his Twitter account @aniesbaswedan on Sunday, November 22.

The book contains research on new forms of authorianism in many countries in the world that were previously known to adhere to democratic systems.

Suddenly this upload received a response from a number of figures. PPP Wasekjen Achmad Baidowi assessed that Anies uploaded a photo of himself reading the book to gain public sympathy.

"I think if we look, Anies is trying to attract sympathy, attracting attention by reading a book title like that as if it gives a message that even though there is no intention, the public will see that Anies is trying to connect," said Achmad Baidowi.

Then, a member of the DPRD DKI from the PDIP faction, Gilbert Simanjuntak, even thought Anies was teasing himself. "Satire who? I think it's more appropriate. Democracy is dead by a handful of people who are too powerful according to the contents of the book he read. He should focus on his campaign, welfare the people, not just one group that became his supporters first," said Gilbert.

In fact, Anies' upload received a response from the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri. According to Firli, he had read this book for a long time and it also explained that many countries have failed to achieve their goals because of corruption.

"Yesterday, I saw in the media that Mr. Anies read How Democracies Die. The book is a long time ago, I've read the book. If someone has just read it now, it's like new. That's why many are criticizing it. It's been a long time, sir," said Firli. .