When Anies Baswedan Changed Street Names

H. Bokir Bin Dji'un Street, which was recently inaugurated by Anies Baswedan, replaced the previous name Pondok Gede Raya Street. (Antara Photo)

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan changed the names of several roads with the names of Betawi figures. This is stated in the Governor's Decree Number 565 of 2022. Anies reasoned that the name change showed that Jakarta had many heroes. According to Anies, the city of Jakarta is a city of struggle and there are many heroes and individuals who have contributed. The change of street names with the names of Betawi figures, said Anies, is also a form of respect for the fallen heroes. Besides being expected to inspire many people.

The process of changing street names is relatively fast. Without long socialization, 22 street names in the Jakarta area immediately changed. And that's just the first stage. Next, there will be 31 more street names that will be changed.

Although the intentions were good, changing the name of the street was not as easy as imagined. Impact on the people living in the area. Because the old street names are in various documents. Starting from ID Card (KTP), Driver's License (SIM), Vehicle Certificate (STNK) to Land Certificates.

This is what made a number of residents protest. Even though the DKI Provincial Government, Head of Traffic Directorate, and BPN DKI Jakarta officials stated that the documents with the old addresses were still valid even though the street names had changed. Even if it is to be taken care of, all costs are free. However, there are still residents who object. The DKI Jakarta DPRD will even form a special committee regarding this matter.

The rules regarding changing street names are contained in the Governor's Decree (Kepgub) Number 28 of 1999. In the Governor's Decree in Chapter IV Article 4 it is stated that the determination of street names is based on the following principles:

1. Easily recognized by the public,

2. Using the name of the area or local environment that is already known to the public,

3. The use of the name of the hero is considered according to the nature of his heroism,

4. Not against decency and public order,

5. Not changing or altering the name that has been embedded in the hearts of the people and has historical value for the place,

6. Not of a promotional or advertising nature,

7. It must be adapted to the interests, nature, and function of the roads, parks, and public buildings concerned.

8. Using the names of roads, parks, and similar public buildings in a certain complex or environment,

9. One-street branches must use the name of the street in roman numerals, in small order being the closest to Monas and or the largest arterial/collector/local road,

10. Especially for an environment that is organized and orderly and already has a street name, the determination of the road name is based on real conditions in the field.

In principle, changing street names is regulated by regional heads. The parameters are also clear. Very detailed written. It becomes a problem if it seems forced. Moreover, several roads which their names have been changed are highways that are often crossed and have been embedded in people's minds. A hassle is not just an administrative matter.

Once again, there is nothing wrong with changing street names to names of Betawi figures. It's a form of respect. Moreover, the characters who are used as street names are heroes. Have a measurable track record. While the name of the Betawi artist who is used is a popular figure.

Actually, several years ago, the South Jakarta City Government also changed the name of Mampang Raya Street to the name of General AH Nasution. The village heads around the area have even carried out socialization. However, the changes did not go smoothly. A number of residents protested because it was a hassle. Even in the digital footprint in the media, at that time the Betawi historian JJ Rizal also protested. The reason for point number 5 in the Governor's Decree is not to change or alter the name that has been embedded in the hearts of the people and has historical value for the place.

Because many protested, Anies Baswedan as governor in the media at that time issued a statement that there must be a change in street names by the governor and asked the village head to stop the socialization of changing street names. And, until now the change in the name of the road is not clear. Could be canceled. It is also possible that in the second stage, the name of Mampang Raya street will change. So, changing the name of the road in the current time, point number 5 of the Governor's Decree must also be considered, which Anies said, as previously published in the media, the Decree that was issued during the era of the DKI Jakarta Governor, held by Sutiyoso, will be revised.

In fact, it would be more appropriate to give a street name that is completely new or does not have an official name. Even if you want to change the name of an existing street, massive socialization must be carried out so that the political nuance behind the change in street name is not widely heard. This political nuance is natural to emerge because, as is well known, DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan is widely said to be running for the 2024 presidential election. The effort to change street names is allegedly a form of seeking the hearts of DKI Jakarta residents ahead of the end of his term as governor.

But, whatever it is, once again a street name change is fine. The governor's prerogatives have been regulated. But when doing so there must be a parameter. The selection of names must also use a certain method. For example, there should be no question why the name Ali Sadikin, the legendary governor of DKI Jakarta and is widely said to have had great service in turning Jakarta into a metropolitan city, was not used as a street name?