Jakarta governor-elect Anis Baswedan (R) and his deputy governor-elect Sandiaga Uno (L) hold hands during a press conference in Jakarta on April 19, 2017. (Photo: Adek Berry/AFP)
People of Jakarta have voted in the second round for a new governor, and the result is, although not officially, conclusive. With Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno leading the quick count results, for their supporters it's a time for celebration.
And its all over. FINALLY.
The long, tiring political disputes involving the majority of politicians and civilians in Jakarta is finally over. And I think, its really worth celebrating that. I go out today, and I can see Jakarta is trying to heal itself.
The tension that haunted the city has gone.
Gone are the days our smartphones getting attacked with endless WhatsApp broadcasts, spreading news or facts harrassing and praising one candidate, answered by the other side, back and forth like bickering siblings.
Gone are the days of debate and arguing, which sometimes cost us a friendship, family ties or a relationship.
All the heat, all the fighting... I kept thinking to myself, is this worth it?
The Jakarta gubernatorial election cost me one family member. Not literally, of course, but due to different political views, someone I once respected so much has walked away from his own family, and it continued to hurt every single day - until today.
My point is, should we take politics and election very personally? Is the world giving us a choice? Must we lose our friends and family members just by defending some strangers we never met?
Politics, as usual, is sickening.
Thanks to political machinations, Jakarta may never be the same again. Were now living in anxiety. I don't know if the wounds from this election.
As for me, I know what I should do, and what I shouldnt. I have to keep my mind and heart clean, do the right things, and carry on.
But, at least today is over.
The views in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Brilio's.
(brl/red)
