REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Political observer, Maswadi Rauf said DKI Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and his deputy Sandiaga Uno could not be blamed if they are not able to fulfill their promise to stop reclamation project. He assessed Anies-Sandiaga has limited authority when related to the central government policy.

Jakarta's bay reclamation became subject to hot debate during the gubernatorial election campaign this year. During the campaign period, Anies and Sandi repeatedly vowed to stop that project. They said reclamation is environmentally unfriendly and will disrupt the livelihoods of fisherfolk and people around the project's area, and many more.

On October 5th, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has lifted moratorium on Jakarta's bay reclamation project. He later said if all parties, including new government of DKI Jakarta must accept his decision.

However, Maswadi admitted governor authority was very limited. He said the higher authority still in central government, so even though Anies-Sandi do not want to continue reclamation project, they could not do anything to change central government decision.

"Moreover, the governor's authority is limited. So even though Anies-Sandi are against central government policy, they could not be blamed if reclamation project continues," Maswadi said on Sunday (October 15).

Maswadi asserted in that case, the people could not conclude that politicians ignore their promises during the campaign. He said, their authority was taken by the central government. More over, he said, Anies-Sandi were not betraying anything.

"They are not betraying their vows because Anies-Sandi have limited authority," he added.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said all parties, including new government of DKI Jakarta, must accept his decision on Jakarta's bay reclamation project.

"The reclamation project will continue since moratorium has been lifted so Jakarta Provincial Government must accept the decision, including the governor-elect, Anies Baswedan," said Luhut on Friday (October 6).

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