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The ‘win-win’ solution style of Jakarta acting governor
Heru chose to return to the normalization program, as he believes this is one of the best ways to deal with flooding in the capital.
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Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono (second right) surprises the Senen subdistrict government officials with his impromptu visit on Nov. 24. (Antara/Ulfa Jainita)
T
here is something interesting about the leadership style of the Jakarta acting governor, Heru Budi Hartono. He seems to project a combined leadership character of his predecessors, Anies Baswedan and Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
Heru emulates Anies' politeness but at the same time implements Ahok’s river-normalization policies to deal with city flooding. Heru's entry into the Jakarta City Hall seems a throwback to the era of the city’s past leadership, including Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, now the President.
By taking a peek at Heru's track record, we can say his closeness to Jokowi and Ahok is beyond doubt. As the deputy governor of Jakarta, Ahok introduced Heru to governor Jokowi. Ahok was amazed by the concept behind Heru’s demolition of illegal buildings on the banks of Gendong River, North Jakarta, for better flood control.
Heru was indeed experienced in addressing the problem of illegal buildings, as evident in his role behind the establishment of Bersih, Manusiawi dan Berwibawa (Clean, Humane and Dignified - BMW) Park in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.
Ahok also asked Heru to explain the concept in front of Jokowi. Jokowi, who was impressed, immediately promoted Heru as head of the Jakarta Regional and Foreign Cooperation Bureau.
In order to control the Pluit Reservoir, Heru was named the North Jakarta mayor in 2014. His last position in the Jakarta administration was head of the Regional Asset Financial Management Agency. Then Jokowi, as the President, appointed Heru as head of the Presidential Secretariat in 2017.
Perhaps given his track record, Heru was chosen by the President as the Jakarta interim governor. The President asked Heru to focus on solving the three main issues facing the capital city: floods, traffic congestion and spatial planning.
