Ahok Is Ready, And So Is Indonesia
Basuki Tjahaja Pumama,
Jakarta's deputy governor, has begun to take over the administration of the capital from Governor Joko Widodo.
The latter will soon take a long leave of absence after being nominated as presidential candidate by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle CPDI-P).
On Monday, Basuki already presided over the administrations weekly meeting despite Jokos presence.
If Joko, who is leading in the polls ahead of the July 9 presidential election, becomes president, then Basuki will be the capitals governor until at least 2017.
This would be the first time a ChineseIndonesian Christian will rule the capital.
It is good for Indonesia that this man has overcome the double political burden of his descent and his religion, and that he could lead a city where up to 90 percent of residents are Muslims and where Islamic and native Jakartan pressure groups wield considerable influence.
Just several years ago it would have been unthinkable that a Christian or someone of Chinese descent would govern Jakarta.
During Suhartos New Order, Chinese Indonesians were banned from the political domain altogether.
But now, if a man such as Basuki can make it in Jakarta, others can make it everywhere else in Indonesia. The deputy governor has proven that Chinese Indonesians and Christians can successfully run for public office.
Indonesians should now welcome a new era in which political careers depend on leadership skills, not religion, race or ethnicity.
Basuki has shown leadership, creativity and bravery during more than one year of helping Joko run the city. The plain-spoken leader has made many friends, but also some enemies. As a deputy governor, he had the luxury of being able to be shielded by Joko if necessary. On his own, he should learn that it will no longer be possible.
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