At 471, Jakarta turns a black page in its history<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The accent is on the subdued as the city marks
\nits 471st anniversary today. Despite the absence of grand
\ncelebrations, the annual Jakarta Fair -- a mainstay of the
\nanniversary's commemoration -- will go on even despite a
\npostponement until July due to the tumultuous economic and
\npolitical situation.<\/p>\n
Jakartans shared their thoughts on marking another milestone
\nduring a time of unprecedented hardship and in the wake of the
\nMay riots which blackened the face of their city.<\/p>\n
Abdulah, a traditional es cendol (iced beverage) vendor: It's
\nsad to see Jakarta marking its anniversary in such a condition.
\nIt looked very ugly with all the burned buildings, not to mention
\nthe sad and stressed faces of the people who lost their
\nbelongings and loved ones during the riot. I was very lucky not
\nto be a victim.<\/p>\n
Hendra, a Chinese-Indonesian man whose motorbike workshop in
\nPetukangan, South Jakarta, was damaged during the riots: I almost
\nforgot about the anniversary. Not that I don't care, but I've
\nbeen busy with my own sorrow... For Jakarta's anniversary, I hope
\nthat it will regain its spirit soon and everything will return to
\nnormal. Please, no more burning and looting. I also hope that
\nJakarta will give its residents a better life and environment. By
\nthe way, will they (the administration) organize any celebration?
\nA modest one will do to ease our tension, I suppose. Happy
\nanniversary anyway.<\/p>\n
Irawan Sarpingi, chairman of the Association of Public
\nTransportation Owners (Organda): What Jakartans need today is the
\nphysical and psychological protection. People are still in deep
\ntrauma because of the massive riots ... I hope the administration
\ncan guarantee that people are safe to run their businesses.
\nBusinesspeople need the guarantee to resume their activities. I
\nalso hope that the administration will make reform efforts in its
\nservices, especially transportation. I think the administration
\nshould first ensure better welfare of their employees so that the
\nlatter will stop collecting illegal levies because their needs
\nwill have been covered by their salaries.<\/p>\n
Bill Saragih, a noted jazz musician: My message is, of course,
\nhappy anniversary, have a long existence, with the hope that
\nthere is a guarantee for the security here. That's the most
\nimportant thing. Let there be no more disturbances because what
\nis essential now is for the people to have something to eat. The
\ncity has been blessed with all the good things, let's not destroy
\nthis. My suggestion is for the administration to improve the
\npublic transportation services. On the other hand, the public
\nshould also support it by behaving more appropriately. Once
\nagain, happy 471st anniversary and many happy returns.<\/p>\n
Ridwan Saidy, a politician: On its 471st anniversary, Jakarta
\nbears witness to the rise and fall of the power of former
\npresident Soeharto. The country's change of power always has an
\nimpact on the city's physical form. The celebration of the city's
\nanniversary is marked by the odor of the dead, intimidation and
\nthe ruins, all of which have scared the inhabitants. We witness
\nthat Jakarta is becoming a dead city in which symbols of
\nmodernity like cafes, toll roads and apartments are deserted.<\/p>\n
Tini Hadad, chairwoman of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation:
\nI think the city's anniversary should be commemorated in the
\nspirit to correct anything which is wrong. It's important for the
\nadministration to be consistent with regulations it has made.
\nFrankly speaking, it's notorious for being inconsistent with its
\nown regulations, not to mention the bad behavior of its
\nofficials.<\/p>\n
People know that the administration itself frequently violates
\nits own legal products. For example, many green areas have been
\nchanged into hotels, shopping centers or other sites. This
\nhappened because of collusion and corruption practiced by the
\nofficials. People are sick of it. They have to face difficulties
\nin getting services or pay more than the official fees in
\nprocessing documents. If the administration does not take any
\naction to solve all those (problems), then the commemoration will
\nhas no meaning. (cst\/ind)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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