'Social contracts might make politicians think'<\/p>\n
The non-governmental organization Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta)
\nrecently asked several councillors to sign a social contract that
\nwould bind them to live up to their election promise to work for
\nthe interests of the public. Such contracts are just one of
\nseveral initiatives to try and force our representatives to honor
\ntheir campaign promises. The Jakarta Post talked to some
\nresidents about the issue.<\/p>\n
Sita Planasari, 25, is a journalist whose office is located in
\nKebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. She lives in Mayestik, also in
\nSouth Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think the idea is worth a try, although many people would
\nsay it is useless to try and make the legislative candidates
\ndeliver on their promises once they are elected.<\/p>\n
Politicians make promises to lure voters, but they don't
\nreally mean every word they say. With this kind of contract, I
\nhope we can teach them a lesson or two about not forgetting their
\npromises so easily.<\/p>\n
Maybe Indonesia is heading toward a better future after all
\nwith the presence of such social contracts.<\/p>\n
Heru Christanto, 30, is a lecturer at a private university in
\nKebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. He lives with his wife in Kelapa Dua,
\nWest Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I doubt the social contracts will work. We have seen our
\nrepresentatives fool us with their wishful thinking and promises.
\nWhen they get in power, they forget them all.<\/p>\n
Today, we have leaders who during the last election campaign
\npledged to fight corruption. But, as you see, they have turned a
\nblind eye to rampant collusion, corruption and nepotism in our
\ngovernment and legislature.<\/p>\n
Recently, I asked my students whether they were proud to be
\nIndonesian given the mess in our country. Up to 80 percent of
\nthem replied that they were ashamed to be Indonesian. I think
\nthat simply reflects the depth of the crisis of confidence in our
\nleaders.<\/p>\n
Anyway, I welcome any measure as the one taken by Fakta. That
\nwill help remind our leaders of their forgotten promises. The
\nmedia will also play a very great role in this process.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/social-contracts-might-make-politicians-think-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }