Tri Rismaharini: Ibu Mega gave instructions to fix the problem

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On September 28, Tri Rismaharini must give up her job as mayor of Surabaya city to an acting mayor appointed by the East Java Governor Soekarwo. That will be the end of her term.

Her bid re-election did not go smoothly. It was not because she failed to lead and develop Surabaya. In fact she did them so well that she became very popular, scaring away other challengers. So far she and Whisnu Sakti Buana are the sole contenders.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Democrat Party are having a similar problem in Pacitan. The two parties agree to work together but as time approaches, the agreement fails to hold, ensuring the failure the sole candidates.

Have you ever discussed the mayoral election with Soekarwo?

When I picked up Pak Jokowi who was about to attend the NU convention, I happened to stand next to the governor. He was saying that in Surabaya Abror and Haries would run. I was a bit shocked because Haries is not a party member. Then I asked how was the situation in Pacitan. The governor said everything was settled. So I didn't ask anymore.

What happened after that?

We met Ibu Mega who was also heading to Surabaya, I said the governor said he would help field Abror and Haries. Then I told her that maybe Pacitan needed some attention.

What was her reaction?

When she was about to board her plane back to Jakarta, I heard her tell Giyanto (a PDI-P legislator), settle the Pacitan problem, don't let turn chaotic.

But what happened there?

One day after the registration, I contacted Giyanto and asked what was going on there. He said the deputy regent from Golkar suddenly ran away when the head of the East Java PDI-P was waiting at the KPU.

It seems Soekarwo is trying to block your election, what does he want in Surabaya?

He's unable to enter Surabaya, like building a toll road in the middle of the city. Some time ago, he tried to force the construction of a ring road west of Surabaya. I am against toll roads, because if we do that, the people lose out.

Why did you reject it?

Why should residents have to pay? Vehicles using the toll road are cars. Pedicabs, motorcycles and public transportation cannot.

Would an acting mayor be able to make a decision about toll roads?

Yes, what I'm doing now is an extraordinary policy.

Is it possible that the PDI-P people want you to lose?

No, beause I heard Ibu Mega told Giyanto to settle the Pacitan problem. (*)