Poll positions<\/p>\n
Jakartans express their views on the April 5 general election<\/p>\n
Teguh Sumantri, 41, is an employee of a state-owned institution
\non Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan. He lives with his wife and two
\nchildren in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I have not yet made up my mind on which political party I will
\nvote for. I have not found a political party that has candidates
\ncredible enough to represent the people.<\/p>\n
I have not been convinced by the election campaigns on
\ntelevision, which I often watch. But I will vote on April 5. I
\nwill make up my mind before that date.<\/p>\n
Ramdani, 36, is the owner of a food store in Cengkareng
\nsubdistrict, West Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I know which political party I will vote for on April 5.
\nInitially, I planned not to vote, as I am disappointed with the
\nparty that I voted for in 1999.<\/p>\n
But I changed my mind after watching a televised campaign,
\nwhich was organized by the University of Indonesia. I am
\nimpressed by the party concerned and I will vote for it.<\/p>\n
Endang Sri Hestiningsih, 54, a civil servant, lives in Pancoran
\nMas, Depok, West Java:<\/p>\n
We get bored with the lofty promises made by political parties
\nduring their campaigns. Political parties make promises that are
\nsimilar. Thus, we tend not to care about any of them.<\/p>\n
Although most of my colleagues do not fully support one party,
\nwe still have some preferences.<\/p>\n
However, we will likely vote for (former minister) Susilo
\nBambang Yudhoyono for president. Because he is fairly capable and
\ngood looking.<\/p>\n
Rudi W, 42, a taxi driver, lives in Depok on the southern
\noutskirts of Jakarta. He is also chairman of a local elections
\ncommittee (KPPS).<\/p>\n
At first, I was worried that the election campaign would be a
\ntense period as even the trivial gesture of a supporter could
\nspark conflict between parties on the streets. I know that there
\nis one political party with die-hard supporters who are willing
\nto do anything to get their leader re-elected. This only adds to
\nmy fear.<\/p>\n
However, it has helped to observe that, so far, life in the
\ncity has continued as usual. From conversations with my
\npassengers, colleagues and relatives I have arrived at the
\nconclusion that people no longer care about the general election.
\nEven the supporters of political parties are tired of bickering.<\/p>\n
Rizal, 36, is an employee of a private company in Tangerang,
\nBanten:<\/p>\n
I have decided to choose the National Mandate Party (PAN) and
\nits leader Amien Rais (as presidential hopeful) long before the
\ncampaign period.<\/p>\n
I think we should give Amien the chance to lead the country as
\nhe is the only reform figure who has not been given a chance.
\nOther reform figures, such as Abdurrahman Wahid or Megawati,
\ndidn't lead the country successfully.<\/p>\n
Tita, 32, a lecturer of the University of Indonesia, lives in
\nDepok, West Java:<\/p>\n
I have yet to decide which party's symbol I will punch when I
\nvote. To be honest, there are too many unknown names on the list
\nof parties.<\/p>\n
I'm skeptical about the elections, there seems to be so many
\nproblems, especially with the ballot papers.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/poll-positions-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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