Faces of Hope, Not Cries of Despair

Kompas/Riza Fathoni

Jakarta’s City Hall took on a livelier appearance on Wednesday (26/4), with hundreds of flower boards expressing gratitude for the service of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat adorning its front yard.

Despite heavy rain, flower arrangements from individuals, families and communities kept piling up at Jakarta’s City Hall until Wednesday (26/4) night. Earlier, the verandah of City Hall was full of people lining up for hours to meet Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.

Among the people lining up was Lusi, 24, who sat on the stairs of the veranda with her three-and-a-half-year-old child. She was taking a rest before joining the lineup with hundreds of others to meet and get a photograph with Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. The line blocked the entrance to the guest room of the governor.