`Direct election is the best way'<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives is deliberating the revision of Law
\nNo. 34\/1999 on Jakarta's administration, to allow for a direct
\ngubernatorial election. Governor Sutiyoso said it was difficult
\nto hold a direct gubernatorial election in the city, as Jakartans
\nwere not yet ready to elect their governor directly, let alone
\nhandle the costs. The Jakarta Post talked to several people on
\nthe street, whose responses may surprise Sutiyoso.<\/p>\n
Naman, 60, is a sidewalk vendor selling soft drinks in Slipi,
\nWest Jakarta. He lives with his wife and three children in
\nPetamburan, Central Jakarta:<\/p>\n
We have been waiting a long time to have a direct
\ngubernatorial election. I completely agree with the idea.<\/p>\n
Besides, most low-income people are fed up with the old
\nsystems under which city councillors elect the city governor --
\nas in the case of Governor Sutiyoso's re-election.<\/p>\n
A direct election is the best way to run the so-called
\ndemocracy in the country. The poor knows whether the candidates
\nwho are worthy of leading the city better than the city
\ncouncillors.<\/p>\n
I think a direct election is far more objective in voting for
\nthe right governor. Money will no longer matter for the people to
\nvote. That's good. I like it.<\/p>\n
We no longer believe the city councillors, because they aren't
\nreliable representatives of the people. Their morals have rotted
\nbecause of their corrupt mentality.<\/p>\n
Even ignorant people like me understand that Sutiyoso was
\nreelected because of the power of his money to bribe the city
\ncouncillors. It's hard to prove the bribery, because the
\ncouncillors are not careless in playing this dirty game. But all
\ncity residents figure it's all about money politics.<\/p>\n
It's no wonder that Sutiyoso feels uneasy with the idea,
\nbecause he realizes that most city residents disagreed with
\nreelecting him and declined to vote for him.<\/p>\n
Iwan, 25, is a street musician in Blok M, South Jakarta. He
\nlives in Pejompongan, South Jakarta, with his family:<\/p>\n
I agree completely for the city residents to vote for their
\ncity governor directly. It's in line with the concept of
\ndemocracy, the people for the people.<\/p>\n
This kind of system will allow people to take part actively in
\nthe election process. That's a far fairer election, I think.<\/p>\n
It's the right timing, not depending on those unreliable
\npeople's representatives in the city administration anymore. They
\nare no longer trustworthy, because most of them are simply
\nconcerned about money and power. The people's aspirations are
\nignored when they are tempted by money.<\/p>\n
I think that it would be better to eliminate all the current
\ncity councillors, since they are all corrupt. It's time to
\nreplace them with a new, accountable generation.<\/p>\n
At the very least, with this system we will be able to put
\naside mischievous leaders like Sutiyoso, who won the election by
\nthe power of money. Keeping the old system will only cause poor
\npeople more suffering.<\/p>\n
I still wonder how Sutiyoso, with his unfavorable track
\nrecord, could be reelected. He still has to resolve the problems
\nof the unforgettable July 27 tragedy.<\/p>\n
Besides, many city residents hate him.<\/p>\n
Heru, 27, is newspaper boy who sells papers on public
\nvehicles. He lives in Depok, West Java:<\/p>\n
I think I agree completely with the idea to elect the governor
\ndirectly. If the upcoming general election applies the direct
\npresidential election, let alone with the gubernatorial election.<\/p>\n
In this respect, all people will be more selective when voting
\nfor gubernatorial candidates. People will identify with
\nindividual candidates more than the city councillors, who would
\nnever dare to come down to the low-income neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
The proverb saying 'if you have money, you will be loved; if
\nyou have no money, you will be loathed' will no longer hold in a
\ndirect election. Money will not matter, because people will be
\nmore objective in selecting their leaders.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, democracy will be implemented better -- the
\nconcept of democracy has faded away because of corrupt officials
\nand city councillors.<\/p>\n
I'm sure Sutiyoso won't get any votes in such an election. His
\nwealth is nothing, and anyway, we don't trust the people's
\nrepresentatives any longer. They never side with the poor, only
\nwith money.<\/p>\n
I think the suggested system will involve the people actively
\nin the election. They can directly observe the candidate and vote
\nfor the most suitable leader.<\/p>\n
I am happy to know this, because we can find out whether or
\nnot the potential leaders will side with the people.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/direct-election-is-the-best-way-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }