Ahok on Cover of Forbes Indonesia

I still remember how Nachrowi Ramli ("Bang Nara") made a joke on Basuki Tjahaja Purnama ("Ahok") during final round debate for Jakarta election in 2012. Bang Nara said "haiyaa Ahok" in Chinese accent before asking the question to his rival. Ahok, who is known as a temperamental person just laughed at that time. He did not show his anger. On the contrary he took the joke wisely and kept on focusing to deliver a good answer.

Reportedly, Ahok has left Gerindra due to a mismatch between his visions with ongoing political activities conducted by the party. He disagrees with the format of local election which will include DPRD as decision maker. This news has become a hot topic for media. Some kompasianers have also posted their article under kanal politik.

This morning, I saw a post from my friend on Path. Ahok appears on the front cover of Forbes Indonesia. Jakarta vice Governor wears his green uniform with name tag. There’s also a linmas text on his left chest. What a cool photo! Within seconds, it reminds me of a song from Bruno Mars - Billionaire. These lyrics are so easy to remember, especially in the beginning part:

I wanna be a billionaire so freakin' bad, Buy all of the things I never had

I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine, Smiling next to Oprah and the Queen

If we take a look at the third sentence, most of us would probably think that Forbes is related with printed-publication of famous and rich people. But in Indonesia, this magazine gives a space for an inspiring leader like Ahok. As far as I know, deciding someone’s photo to appear on front cover is a critical point. Putting wrong person for the cover may decrease the news value of the magazine.

I hope the fact that Ahok can appear on Forbes Indonesia inspires us to be as decisive as him. His decision to leave Gerindra should be appreciated. What is written that – he wants to make history not money – now becomes reality. His story to leave one of famous political parties will be remembered as a huge step in leadership lessons.

Congrats Pak Ahok!

[caption id="attachment_358463" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Ahok on Forbes Indonesia, Source : Personal Doc."][/caption]

Note : Bruno Mars song lyrics from Metrolyrics