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Ahok officiates market opening amid tight security
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Members of the bomb squad (Gegana) guard Kampung Duri Market in Central Jakarta on Friday, when Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama officiated the opening of the newly renovated facility. (Kompas/Images)
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akarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama on Friday officiated Kampung Duri Market in Central Jakarta amid tight security from members of the bomb squad (Gegana) as people protested the governor’s arrival.
Dozens of armed security guards were deployed near the market before the governor arrived, with the demonstration held some 300 meters away from the location.
“Ahok is rejected everywhere. We reject Ahok coming to our kampung,” said Leo, one of the protesters.
Ahok, who is seeking reelection in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election, is currently the most popular figure ahead of the vote. However, several groups have rejected his candidacy.
The market was developed by state-owned developer PT Wijaya Karya as a contribution from the company in relation to a project in Bendungan Hilir, also in Central Jakarta. Commenting on the renovated 400-square-meter market after officiating it, Ahok said the facility was too small.
On the demonstration, Ahok said he was often warned by his staff not to attend certain events because of demonstrations held by people who opposed him seeking reelection. But he ignored the warnings, he added.
“Don’t be ignorant. I am the governor here. If you don’t like me, just don’t elect me,” Ahok said as reported by kompas.com.
While some residents protested Ahok’s attendance, a number of other people asked to take selfies with him. (bbn)
