Jakarta. Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian on Tuesday reiterated the government's commitment to uphold the process of electing the governor of Jakarta, opposing a parliamentary bill that prefers a president’s appointee as the city's leader.

"The draft regulation put forth by the DPR [House of Representatives] suggests the president appointing the Jakarta governor," Tito said during a seminar in Jakarta. "However, our government's proposed bill does not include such a provision."

The government stands firm on maintaining Jakarta's existing election system, requiring an elected governor to secure more than 50 percent of the vote. The elected governor holds the authority to appoint mayors and a regent within the city.

In contrast, in other provinces, the candidate with the most votes wins the gubernatorial election without necessitating a runoff to reach over 50 percent. Furthermore, mayors and regents are also elected positions outside of Jakarta.

"The government's proposed regulation does not advocate a deviation from the current election system in Jakarta," affirmed Tito.

Supported by all parties except the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the House draft proposed the change in response to plans to relocate the national capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan next year.

However, Tito argued that even with the capital relocation, Jakarta will retain its significance as the center of commerce and economy, akin to cities like New York or Melbourne.

The government is pushing for a bill granting greater autonomy to the Jakarta government. This autonomy would involve managing spatial planning, housing, cultural affairs, investment, transportation, environment, population control, tourism, trade, education, and healthcare systems as Jakarta remains the epicenter of business, he said.

Jakarta is slated to elect a new governor next year unless there are changes in the regulations.

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