During the school’s 90th anniversary celebration on Saturday night at JIExpo Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, well-known pianist Ananda Sukarlan, an alumnus who received an award from the school for his achievements as a composer, said that he, along with other alumni, walked out when the newly elected governor delivered his remarks.

“We were surprised to learn that Pak Anies was there, why was he [invited]? His values are not in line with the principles taught at the school, particularly on differences [between] pribumi [indigenous] and non-indigenous,” Ananda told kompas.com on Monday.

He referred to Anies' remark during his first gubernatorial speech at City Hall last month in which he said pribumi people should be the leaders of the country. The remark triggered widespread criticism.

Ananda said that they returned to their seats after Anies finished his speech. 

During his award speech, Ananda criticized the organizers of the event for inviting someone whose values he believed contradicted the school’s principles.

Meanwhile, Anies said that he was not aware the walkout had taken place and that he respected Ananda’s stance.

“I greet everyone and embrace all. If there was any negative reaction, that’s just a bonus for me,” Anies said on Monday. (fac)

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