JAKARTA. Acting Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, known for his straightforward and bold remarks, cheerfully accepted notes from elementary school students and teachers on appropriate language usage.
Ahok was reminded by a teacher that he should mind his language in front of the first graders of private school SD Gemala Ananda in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, at City Hall on Thursday.
One student, Nazwa, asked why so many trees had been cut down in the capital city. Nazwa was concerned that the activity had resulted in increased temperatures in the city, which was also susceptible to flooding.
“There are many people who steal trees. They cut them to be sold so they can get money. The culprits are douche-bags!” he answered enthusiastically.
After a gentle reprimand from a nearby teacher, Ahok corrected himself, “It is not a good word. Don’t listen to all of my words. The words you need to listen to are your teachers’ and parents’,” he said, laughing.
Ahok, who is often on the receiving end of criticism, including from his superiors, on account of his blunt remarks, got another gentle chiding when a student asked about campaign posters.
“Mr. Ahok, why are many banners and posters of candidates hung on the streets? Mr. Jokowi’s face can be seen all over the place,” he said, followed by laughter from other students and teachers.
“The ones who hang the banners are bad people who don’t have anything else to do. Should we catch them, we will rebuke and beat them,” Ahok said.
Ahok was stunned when the student then said that instead of berating them, he should offer wise advice.
“Ah yes, better to remind them and chide them. I am sorry for being impolite. I think I should go back to first grade,” he said.
During a question-and-answer session with the acting governor, the students asked various questions revolving around the city’s crucial issues.
Although Ahok was able to tackle almost all the questions, he was also sometimes at a loss, such as the case when a student asked when the National Monument (Monas) was built.
“Alas! You have to ask Google for the answer,” he said while laughing.
He added that he knew construction began in 1961. When Bung Karno (the nickname for Indonesia’s first president Sukarno) left the presidency, the monument was not finished.
“However, I can tell you that Monas has been cleaned twice,” he said, “Don’t ask me about history, I suck at the subject.”
Monas was cleaned earlier this year after last being cleaned in 1992.
However, after his staffer informed him, Ahok corrected his answer and said that Monas was built in 1951.
Ahok said that he found the meeting with the students a welcome reprieve from his tight schedule, which has only gotten busier since Jokowi took leave for his presidential bid on June 1.
“If I get a headache with the city administration issues, I just have to invite elementary school students,” he said. (Corry Elyda)
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