A bill that would ban the direct election of local officials, giving the power of appointment over to local legislatures, is set to pass this week in the House of Representatives due to majority support from members of the Merah-Putih Coalition. But the bill has faced fierce criticism in recent days, with one of the most vocal being Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
Since yesterday, Ahok had been threatening to leave Gerindra, his party and the leading member of the Merah-Putih Coalition led by failed presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, as a form of protest against the bill. The soon-to-be Governor of Jakarta said the bill would eliminate people’s right to choose their own representatives, increase corruption and be a major blow to Reformasi.
It was just reported in Kompas that Ahok has made good on his threat and submitted his resignation letter to his now former political party.
“I’ve officially resigned from Gerindra. Since I submitted the letter, I no longer have a political party,” he is quoted as telling reporters outside of City Hall today.”For me, Gerindra is no longer aligned with my goals, which is to give people the best options.”
After Ahok lambasted members of the Merah Putih Coalition for supporting the bill, Gerindra’s Jakarta chapter chairman Muhammad Taufik said the party would do nothing to change his mind, demanding that he tow the party line or leave.
“He should walk the walk. If he wants to quit, he can just submit a resignation letter. He has the right to. [Gerindra] won’t hold him back,” Muhammad is quoted as saying in an article in The Jakarta Post.
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