Throw Politic Away from Car Free Day, Ahok Says
Reported by Folmer | Translated by Cintya Meliza
Jakarta Governor, Basuki 'Ahok' T Purnama asked Jakarta Communications Department to evaluate the implementation of car free day along Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin every Sunday. Considering, the event which is purposed to minimize the bad pollution and also as the citizens socialization, exercise, or just leisurely strolling, currently it is used to convey citizens aspiration including support or anti Ahok or Legislative Council related to city budget.
It should not be a political event. For promoting event there has to be the license
"Although there are many citizens supporting me but such event should not be held," said Ahok, at City Hall, Monday (3/23).
Therefore, in executive meeting (Rapim) on Monday morning, he has instructed related institute to bring back car free day's actual aim. "It should not be a political event. License is needed for promoting event," he expressed.
Car Free Day, Jalan Suryopranoto Diverted This SundayAs simply known, car free day event has been set in local regulation No. 2/2005 about Air Pollution Controlling. It is stated that the implementation is for recovering air quality which is held at least once a month.
Car free day is also set in Gubernatorial Regulation No.119/2012 about the Implementation of Car Free Day and Head of Jakarta Communications Department decree No.380/2012 about Determining Location, Schedule, and Procedure of Car Free Day in Jakarta.
The most sophisticated car free day was on last Sunday (3/22). There were various event along the road. For example, the commemoration of 2015 World Water Day at Bundaran HI that was enlivened by Slank Band, mass demonstration of Indonesia Hizbut Tahrir, sign raising for censuring the Governor and many more. There are also many street vendors opening their stalls around Bundaran HI. Street musicians wearing ghost costumes and promotion products which suddenly set up their booths.