Acting Jakarta Governor Basuki T. Purnama admitted to change city's RT/RW election mechanism with direct appointment. It is hoped will ease the supervision.

Direct appointment system can avoid RT/RW position handed by thugs

"Direct appointment system can avoid RT/RW position handed by thugs," said Basuki at City Hall, Monday (6/9).

Basuki assessed that RT/RW election mechanism in the city could spend tens of million rupiah. Mostly the budget is taken from illegal levies. There is individual asking money from traders who violate sidewalk and roadside selling regulation.

"Traders pay for selling place, but the fund might be received by RT/RW. Campaign for RT/RW chief could spend Rp 70 million. They have shanties for sale," Basuki aded.

Basuki is optimistic running this mechanism will get free refusal. He gave example that the position for regent and mayor in Jakarta is given without election, but direct appointment.

"Those who gets this position will have heavier duties. They have to be brave in giving punishment for residents who throw trash carelessly," he stated.

Before the mechanism is applied, Basuki needs readiness from mayor, sub-district, urban village, and RT/RW.

"It's better to give RT/RW chief monthly salary Rp 1 million. But they have to give direct report regarding environment condition, such as damaged road and trash," Basuki uttered.