The wRap Indonesia: Jan. 20, 2015

JAKARTA, Indonesia – The endorsement of the special regulation upholding direct regional elections and the passing away of noted entrepreneur Bob Sadino lead our wrap of stories today.

1. It’s official: Direct regional elections will stay

The House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday, January 20, endorsed the special regulation that canceled the law that scraps the direct election of local leaders. The controversial law was passed easily in September 2014 by the outgoing legislature, at the height of politicking between the camps of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and the presidential candidate he defeated, Prabowo Subianto. But under the weight of massive public criticism, then President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono issued a government regulation in lieu of law (perppu) that canceled the law. In the months since, the Democrats have thrown their weight around to ensure the perppu is endorsed by the DPR. But a number of lawmakers pointed out on Tuesday the perppu still needed some revisions. 

2.  Respected entrepreneur Bob Sadino passes away

the best entrepreneur has gone. R.I.P Bob Sadino. you’ve been an inspiration for many people. you’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/mM756sgAeP

— Kartika (@RinRinii_) January 20, 2015

Bob Sadino, the founder of PT Kemang Food Industries, which owns the famous supermarket chain Kem Chicks, passed away on Monday, January 20, at the age of 75. The respected entrepreneur, who started his business by selling chicken eggs in the expatriate area of Kemang in South Jakarta, was famous for his books on how to do business, particularly for his quotes on how you don’t have to be smart to become a businessman. Netizens took to social media to pay their respects, turning his quotes into memes that topped Twitter trends on Tuesday. See what people are saying online about Om Bob on Rappler. 

3. Former police chief Sutarman’s next career choice: Farmer

After being honorably discharged by Jokowi on Friday, former National Police chief Gen. Sutarman was apparently offered a number of positions by the president. If he wanted, he could have taken a lucrative post at a state-owned enterprise, or lived abroad as an ambassador for Indonesia. But he told reporters on Tuesday he declined the offers and said he just wanted to be a farmer and “enjoy the rest of my life with my family.” Read the full story in Bahasa Indonesia on Rappler.

4. Jakarta public transport operators lower fares in line with falling fuel prices

The Jakarta Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) on Tuesday proposed to reduce fares by IDR500 in line with the fuel price rollback that went into effect on Monday. Though the actual decline in cost for public transport operators is just IDR200, Organda said they “rounded up” the reduction to IDR500 because of foreseen difficulties in issuing change, Tribunnews reported. This means small buses will charge IDR3,500, down from IDR4,000, bringing it in line with the Transjakarta busway.

5. Dangdut star Rhoma Irama will be part of government after all

The king of dangdut, Rhoma Irama, may have failed in his bid to become a presidential candidate, but he will apparently still get the chance to serve the public as part of Jokowi’s government. Justice Minister Yasonna Laoly on Tuesday will inaugurate him as a commissioner of the National Collective Management Agency, which oversees the collection of royalties from public places or activities that use music, such as cafes, karaoke, and performing arts, Tempo.co reported. – Rappler.com