Debate Debacle: Jakarta Candidates Duel over Street Vendors
Jakarta – To the delight of political junkies and snark enthusiasts alike, we have the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of Jakarta’s gubernatorial race. This week, Candidate number 2, Dharma Pongrekun, and Candidate number 1, Ridwan Kamil (RK), engaged in a debate that featured a sprinkle of politics, a dash of drama, and more than a hint of sidewalk skepticism.
The discussion leaped right into the controversy surrounding RK’s Cihampelas Terrace project from his tenure as Mayor of Bandung. Apparently, the only thing quieter than the Terrace these days is the sound of traders moving back to the sidewalks post-COVID! Yes, folks, the pandemic has turned bustling bazaar vibes into a scene straight out of a ghost town movie.
Ah, but here’s where it gets interesting. Dharma, in what was surely meant to be a zinger, pointed out the downfall of the project, saying, “Your imagination, you realized… after the COVID pandemic it went dead, and the traders became lazy to continue!” It’s like a roast, but instead of a comedy club, it’s all happening under those bright Jakarta lights.
RK, not one to back down, flipped the script like a seasoned contestant on a cooking show. He declared his commitment to “glorifying street vendors” instead of shooing them off the asphalt. Bravo, RK! Nothing says political savvy quite like siding with the street vendors when they’re in the spotlight. And let’s be honest, wouldn’t it be a scandal if he didn’t? The man’s really on a glorification spree!
Next came RK’s metaphorical masterpiece, likening the Cihampelas Terrace project to a neglected house with a new owner. In a twist worthy of any sitcom, he lamented how the next mayor dropped the ball—because apparently, past leadership woes are just a handy excuse for stalled development.
Look, we get it, RK. It’s hard to keep the party going when your successor isn’t exactly the life of it. But do we really want to keep rolling back the clock every time a new leader steps in? “Ah yes, I can’t paint this canvas! The last guy didn’t lay down the right primer.” Classic blame game.
Dharma, however, wasn’t taking it lying down (because let’s face it, that would just be bad for his reputation). He countered RK, saying, “When you were mayor, COVID didn’t exist yet,” which presumably means RK has no valid excuse to blame COVID for everything, including his mother’s choice of wallpaper. Oh, the audacity!
In a last-ditch attempt to steer the narrative, RK hit back with a reference to Tanah Abang, suggesting that if one governor doesn’t promote it, it’s all their fault. It’s like the political equivalent of saying, “If you don’t help me with my homework, you’ll be the reason I fail this semester!”
And guess what? RK isn’t afraid of making mistakes. Let’s all applaud! Yes, he’s brave enough to take bold actions! Just pray he doesn’t accidentally sign off on a new law declaring penguins the official animal of Jakarta while he’s at it. The worst kind of leader, he declares, is the one who won’t make a decision. And might I add, the worst kind of comedy is the one that risks landing flat on its face… just like those poor street vendors!
In the end, we find ourselves at a crossroads: Will Jakarta’s future be paved with glorious street vendors or simply glittering sidewalks? One thing’s for sure, though: this race will be anything but boring. Grab your popcorn, folks, it’s going to be a fun ride. And if you’re a street vendor, well, maybe hold off on setting up shop on the asphalt for just a bit longer?
(knv/gbr)
Jakarta –
Candidate for Governor of Jakarta number 2, Dharma Pongrekun, engaged in a spirited debate with rival candidate, Jakarta Governor Candidate number 1, Ridwan Kamil (RK), focusing on the controversial Teras Cihampelas project. This initiative was one of RK’s signature programs during his tenure as the Mayor of Bandung, aimed at revitalizing local commerce. RK asserted his proactive leadership style, highlighting that he does not intend to be a leader who remains passive for an entire five-year term.
The debate ignited when Dharma questioned the effectiveness of the Cihampelas Terrace project, which has seemingly fallen into disrepair. He pointed out that following the COVID-19 pandemic, many street traders had migrated to use the sidewalks, indicating a decline in the area’s vibrancy.
Dharma expressed his concerns, saying, “It turns out that what you had imagined, your imagination, you realized, it turns out that after the COVID pandemic it went dead and the traders became lazy to continue, they are now trading on the sidewalks or in the verandas because of what? Because the place is quiet.”
Responding to Dharma’s critique, RK reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting street vendors, acknowledging how the pandemic had negatively impacted the economic landscape in several areas. “Cihampelas is where street vendors have pushed their way onto the asphalt streets; the choice is to be evicted or glorified. I choose to glorify the street vendors,” he firmly stated.
RK further illustrated the Cihampelas Terrace project as akin to a neglected house that a new owner has failed to maintain. He noted that the subsequent mayor’s lack of initiative led to deteriorating conditions for local traders. “Because my successor didn’t continue, didn’t promote, so what was mentioned happened. It’s different if we build and it continues to fail when we lead,” he opined, urging the importance of ongoing support from leadership to ensure the success of such initiatives.
Dharma, while acknowledging RK’s points, reiterated the significance of leadership timelines and the pandemic’s timing. He challenged RK’s assertions, stating, “When you were mayor, COVID didn’t exist yet, the pandemic occurred at the beginning of 2020.” Dharma implied that had there been decisive leadership, many economic issues could have been averted.
In response, RK took a more reflective approach, suggesting that he did not want to dwell on the contentious topic of COVID, emphasizing the need for actionable leadership instead. He used an analogy involving the Tanah Abang market to illustrate how the responsibilities of different governors can influence local economic activity, stating, “That’s what is called sustainable leadership,” he added.
RK acknowledged that making mistakes is a part of leadership; however, he stressed the importance of making decisions rather than remaining stagnant. “It’s better to be a leader, make wrong decisions and correct them,” RK asserted. “Instead of being silent, making an image, afraid of being wrong, afraid of being bullied and then just sitting quietly waiting for 5 years, I don’t think that’s the case,” he concluded, showcasing his dedicated approach to governance.
(knv/gbr)
– In your opinion, how can the Cihampelas Terrace project be revitalized to better serve both vendors and the community?
**Interview with Dharma Pongrekun on the Jakarta Gubernatorial Debate**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dharma Pongrekun! Thank you for joining us today after an eventful debate. Your thoughts on the Cihampelas Terrace project certainly stirred up some waves. Can you tell us what you meant when you said, “traders became lazy to continue”?
**Dharma Pongrekun:** Thank you for having me. When I made that comment, I wanted to highlight the stark reality many street vendors are facing. The pandemic has not only affected their business but has also altered the dynamics of our streets. The original vision for the Cihampelas Terrace project just hasn’t come to fruition, and many vendors are now relegated to the sidewalks because the venue failed to attract the crowd it was supposed to.
**Interviewer:** Ridwan Kamil responded by emphasizing his commitment to “glorifying street vendors”. Do you believe his approach is effective in addressing the concerns you raised?
**Dharma Pongrekun:** While glorifying street vendors is a noble sentiment, it’s ultimately just words. We need actionable plans and tangible support that go beyond rhetoric. The vendors need infrastructure, better access to markets, and policies that genuinely uplift their livelihoods, not just promises made during a debate.
**Interviewer:** During the debate, RK compared the Cihampelas project to a neglected house with a new owner. How do you view this analogy, considering the ongoing challenges?
**Dharma Pongrekun:** It’s a clever analogy, but it misses the point. If we continue to blame predecessors for the failings of current initiatives, we’re not taking responsibility for the immediate needs of the people. Innovation and proactive solutions are what will make a difference, and we can’t afford to just pass the buck.
**Interviewer:** What do you think is the most crucial aspect for the next governor to focus on regarding street vendors and urban development?
**Dharma Pongrekun:** The most crucial aspect is creating a supportive ecosystem. This means rethinking our urban planning to incorporate spaces where street vendors can thrive without impeding traffic or pedestrian movement. It’s about integrating their presence into the vibrancy of our city while ensuring local businesses can flourish too.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to impart to the voters of Jakarta as the campaign progresses?
**Dharma Pongrekun:** I urge the voters to look beyond slogans and promises. Demand accountability and a clear vision for Jakarta that includes everyone—especially those who are often overlooked, like our street vendors. Let’s build a city that caters to its diverse population and recognizes the contributions of every citizen.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dharma, for your insights. It sounds like Jakarta’s future is indeed at a pivotal point.
**Dharma Pongrekun:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss these important issues. Let’s keep the conversation going for the sake of our city.
