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ug. 3, p6

Since the very beginning, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's decision to choose outspoken Chinese-Indonesian politician Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian, as his running mate in last year's gubernatorial election, has sparked controversy. The combination of his leadership skills, achievements alongside Jokowi, and his straight-forward attitude, helps this controversy persist.

Many people see the pair as an excellent combination of two leadership styles and strong integrity. Jokowi acts like the 'president' while Ahok is often described as the 'prime minister'. They complement each other and are highly regarded by the people, at least so far, as they have been able to convince Jakarta's stakeholders that they are pro ordinary people.

The deputy governor has frequently irritated government officials, politicians, or 'powerful' people in Jakarta for his frank assessments and actions.

Your comments:

The complicated problems of Jakarta can never be dealt with using ordinary manners. Instead, shock therapy and breakthroughs are required that, unfortunately, will always hurt those who have been enjoying comfortable living in the current situation.

To achieve this, leaders with nothing-to-lose attitudes are required. We can expect new blood public figures like Governor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and Ahok to be free from either political or personal interests so they can take this risk.

Perhaps they can start with addressing traffic congestion and flooding to convince the public that they're launching a blitzkrieg to attack Jakarta's problems.

Robby Kaware

I read Lee Kuan Yew's book, and in one of his speeches to civil servants he said, 'Yes means yes, no means no, but you must convey it politely.'

The combination of Jokowi and Ahok is good, one playing the nice guy, one playing the bad cop. It's just like in China.

When the president is stern, the prime minister is nice. Jokowi takes care of the field, while Ahok is more for the back office.

All authorities in Indonesia must follow such examples. I don't even know who the deputy governors were during the tenures of Sutiyoso and Fauzi Bowo.

H. Cahyadi

Excellent work, Mr. Deputy Governor!

Korstle

Bitter pills are sometimes needed to cure illness.

I support Deputy Governor Purnama in his strict but fair and justified approaches.

But like I said before, toning it down a bit (at least before they tone you up first) is just a wise thing to do.

Rio Rivai