Expert opinion? You'll have to decide for yourself<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Every single day, people are bombarded with
\ncomments by observers on the continuing economic and political
\ncrises -- a topic that has been dominating the media since the
\ntrouble began in July 1997.<\/p>\n
But what do the people think about all this punditry? Do they
\nreally believe, or care about, every word of these \"experts\"? Or
\nare they already fed up with the opinion overflow?<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post talked to people from various backgrounds in
\nsearch of their opinions.<\/p>\n
Uster Siregar, a security guard at the Central Jakarta
\nDistrict Court's detention room:<\/p>\n
Right now, there are too many commentators voicing their
\ndifferent opinions on television or through the print media. They
\nonly confuse me. Who should I believe?<\/p>\n
Even those with the same educational background that have
\nstudied at the same universities offer different suggestions on
\nwhat to do, including in the legal field where I work. I see it
\nalso happen in politics and other fields.<\/p>\n
I am sure that many other low-ranking civil servants feel
\nconfused as well.<\/p>\n
I believe that critics, political leaders and government
\nofficials should discuss the country's problems together so they
\ncan come up with some measures that lead to real solutions and
\nthus to the improvement of the country, instead of confusing us.<\/p>\n
Rita Olivia, a lawyer at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute:<\/p>\n
It is very important for our country to have all these
\nobservers. People might get confused when hearing or reading so
\nmany different statements, but it will be useful in the future.
\nListening to various opinions will help them learn to appreciate
\npolitical freedom.<\/p>\n
One thing that has become more difficult, though, is to
\ndifferentiate between those making observations on the political
\ndevelopments and those writing for their own purpose. After
\nhearing their comments, one has to pick out the valuable opinions
\nand then make his own judgment.<\/p>\n
During the New Order era, it was a lot easier to select
\nopinions from observers as there weren't that many. Then you only
\nhad pro- and anti-government voices.<\/p>\n
But it has now become very interesting to hear so many people
\nexpress their different opinions.<\/p>\n
Satrio A., bank employee:<\/p>\n
I think that most of the statements made by experts or
\nobservers on the country's political and economic condition
\ncannot be taken seriously. We never know whether they are made to
\nserve their own interests or are honest attempts to find a
\nsolution to our problems.<\/p>\n
I read newspapers and watch television every day but it is
\nonly out of curiosity. I just want to know 'what they will say
\nthis time'.<\/p>\n
I prefer reading stories on human interest subjects or crime
\nreports. Crime news is important to allow us to take the
\nnecessary precautions.<\/p>\n
An executive at Indo Pacific Public Relations who asked for
\nanonymity:<\/p>\n
I don't care what observers say on television or write in the
\nprint media. I don't want to hear them. It's useless.<\/p>\n
The observers all have different opinions, but fail to offer
\nreal solutions.<\/p>\n
By not listening to so many predictions and statements on the
\npolitical and economical situation, I feel more optimistic.
\nListening to everybody's opinions only makes me feel pessimistic
\nabout the future.<\/p>\n
Lukman, a student at the National University's School of
\nPolitical and Social Science:<\/p>\n
Observers on television or in the print media present useful
\ninformation. I feel I can learn a lot from them.<\/p>\n
They help me gather information about the political situation
\nand make sense out of all the fast developments. Although there
\nare many opinions being raised, I can't see the disadvantage of
\nit: There were too many issues that could not be discussed during
\nthe New Order regime.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, we should be able to screen statements that are
\nbeing offered. We cannot just 'eat' all of the comments without
\nanalyzing with an open mind.
\nAnd, last but not least, it's interesting reading.<\/p>\n
Dwi Karyati, a 37-year-old housewife and a mother of three:<\/p>\n
I do not read newspapers very much, only occasionally when my
\nhusband brings one home from his office. But I do watch
\ntelevision, including the news.<\/p>\n
I know there are plenty of experts commenting on the economic
\ncrisis and political situation here. But they only confuse me.
\nThey pretend their statements really matter, but it's foolish to
\nbelieve the government will ever listen to what they say. In
\nreality, nothing really happens. Their comments are forgotten as
\nsoon as the news ends.<\/p>\n
If you take a good look around you will see that the economy
\nis not getting better just because all the experts air their
\nsuggestions through the media. Take a look at reality: Prices
\nremain high and crime rates are going up.<\/p>\n
Eka Yunita, a junior executive of a British shipping company
\nin Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I am very skeptical about people claiming to fight or do
\nsomething good for the sake of our nation.<\/p>\n
I think that nowadays there are many leaders fighting for
\ntheir own personal interests. Also, a lot of people are not
\nreally concerned about the situation, but only want to become
\npopular.<\/p>\n
I think it would be better if people would actually set an
\nexample by living a modest lifestyle rather than talking too much
\nand making empty promises.<\/p>\n
When I worked as a social worker last year, I saw neighborhood
\nleaders and heads of certain social foundations favoring their
\nfamilies when distributing the social safety net donations.<\/p>\n
The so-called corruption, collusion and nepotism is rampant
\namong society's leaders. This is why experience teaches me to be
\nskeptical and beware of other people's vested interests.<\/p>\n
Ramadhan, an entrepreneur living in Pondok Mandala, Cimanggis,
\nBogor:<\/p>\n
People should be cautious. Nowadays, even legal experts and
\neconomists dare to cheat and lie as soon as they are involved in
\npolitics or bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
I think it has become difficult to find a leader who does not
\nfollow his personal interests. But I am optimistic about the
\nfuture. These are the normal side effects of a country that is
\njust learning about democracy.<\/p>\n
Anak Agung Sastra Wigraha, an employee of a leasing company in
\nJakarta:<\/p>\n
I am fed up with the opinions presented by 'experts' in the
\nmedia. I think that the so-called experts only address their
\npersonal agendas. They try to convey anything that serves their
\nown ends.<\/p>\n
At present, I only read or watch breaking news in newspapers
\nand on TV.<\/p>\n
The only comments I listen to are by the people who are
\nrespected and known for their expertise. (ste\/jun\/kod\/byg)<\/p>",
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