`Better to stage more rallies in 2003'<\/p>\n
With the New Year approaching, people are full of hope that
\nbetter things will come. However, despite their hope, many
\nJakartans remain pessimistic about life in the city. The Jakarta
\nPost talked to some residents about their expectations for 2003.<\/p>\n
Agus, 21, is a juice vendor in Tanah Merah, North Jakarta,
\nwhere he also lives:<\/p>\n
Most poor people in the city are always neglected by the
\ngovernment and the rich.<\/p>\n
A perfect example is that when the rich want to build a luxury
\nhousing complex, the houses of the poor are destroyed to pave the
\nway for the project.<\/p>\n
Worse still, the city administration never sides with the
\npoor. Forcible evictions happen all the time across from Greater
\nJakarta because the poor are always seen as disturbing public
\norder.<\/p>\n
I don't think it's fair at all. Why should I pay taxes if my
\nrights as a resident are never protected?<\/p>\n
I think it would be better to stage more rallies in 2003 to
\ntry and force the governor to side with the poor residents. But
\nthe small voice of the poor will never be heard. All of the poor
\nhere should unite to force the government to pay attention to
\nthem.<\/p>\n
Suhaeri, 30, is a security guard at a shopping center in
\nPluit, North Jakarta. He resides in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta,
\nwith his wife and daughter:<\/p>\n
I just hope that next year the city will be far safer in terms
\nof public security. The rising number of street crimes have
\nhorrified city residents.<\/p>\n
Also, the city administration should side more often with
\nordinary people. They are all corrupt officials who neglect the
\ninterests of the public.<\/p>\n
To the city administration, please improve the living
\nconditions here in order to help alleviate poverty in the city.<\/p>\n
I hope this happens in 2003, though I'm pessimistic about the
\nchances.<\/p>\n
Mamok, 60, lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, with his wife
\nand two children:<\/p>\n
As a resident, I feel that the city administration has thus
\nfar wasted billions of rupiah of the city budget on useless
\nprojects.<\/p>\n
How much money has been spent on the water fountain at the
\nHotel Indonesia traffic circle, fencing the National Monument
\npark and implementing the busway project?<\/p>\n
I am pessimistic the city will improve in 2003 since Governor
\nSutiyoso will continue to work on these kinds of projects. He has
\nnever listened to public criticism. Unless he steps down, such
\nprojects will go on.<\/p>\n
Erwin, 27, is a sidewalk vendor in Tangerang, Banten. He lives
\nin Palmerah, West Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think life got tougher this year compared to previous years.
\nI have to scramble daily to make a living and survive in the
\ncity.<\/p>\n
I don't think I have any hope for 2003. Perhaps I will
\ncontinue to face the same situation.<\/p>\n
I feel apathy and pessimism because all I see is another
\ngloomy year coming. So it would be better for me just to think
\nabout surviving. To think of simply how to cope with my hunger is
\nthe best thing I can do.<\/p>\n
I don't care about the government or the city administration
\nas they never think about me. Yes, apathetic might be the best
\nword for me.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/better-to-stage-more-rallies-in-2003-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }