T

he inauguration of Basuki '€œAhok'€ Tjahaja Purnama as Jakarta governor is likely only a matter of time, as there are no longer any significant legal or political barriers to his installment. Therefore, those who continue to oppose Ahok should realize that their efforts will only hit a wall.

The Home Ministry has written to the Jakarta City Council calling on the legislative body to prepare for the appointment of Ahok. Meanwhile, the majority of the 106-seat council stands unopposed to Ahok'€™s inauguration, excepting those from the Gerindra Party.

Article 203 of government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) No. 1/2014 on the election of governors, regents and mayors states that in the event of a vacancy of a governor elected under Law No. 32/2004 on regional administration, the deputy governor will fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

The regulation clearly states that Ahok is the only person who has the legal right to be inaugurated as Jakarta governor. However, chairman of the Gerindra faction in the council, Muhammad Taufik, said he could not accept the call made by the Home Ministry. He said there would be no inauguration until the Supreme Court responded to the council'€™s request for '€œconsultation'€ on supposed legal inconsistencies about whether a deputy governor automatically replaces the governor.

Ahok'€™s leadership has also been challenged by several organizations, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), the United Betawi Forum (FBB) and the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR).

Requests for the Supreme Court'€™s legal opinion regarding the regulation are welcome. However, they reflect insensitivity to what the capital needs '€” a leader with a full mandate to solve Jakarta'€™s many problems.

And since few have questioned Ahok'€™s capability and integrity '€” either as deputy governor or acting governor of the capital '€” the detractors lack credible arguments for rejecting him.

Together with former governor Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo, who is now President, Ahok carried out bureaucratic reforms to improve efficiency in the city administration. As governor, Ahok will undoubtedly also commit to eradicating corruption in his administration.

Jakarta needs a definitive leader so that the city administration can kick into full gear. As acting governor, Ahok only has limited authority. He cannot, for example, sign agreements with third parties in connection with new projects, many of which are badly needed to solve various problems in Jakarta. Few residents or commuters relate to the justifications cited by those opposed to Ahok'€™s leadership; that on top of being a Chinese Christian, he also has a loud mouth and is impolite.

The chronic problems of traffic congestion, annual flooding, poor sanitation, poverty and other issues require immediate attention. The sooner Ahok is given a full mandate to lead the city, the faster he can make the Big Durian less smelly and more comfortable.