Sutiyoso must work hard to improve his image<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso and Fauzi Bowo were elected as new governor and deputy
\ngovernor of Jakarta for the 2002-2207 term amid strong protests
\non Wednesday. For Governor Sutiyoso, his reelection proves his
\nsuccess in drawing support from the City Council even though
\nthere was strong evidence that President Megawati Soekarnoputri
\nwas really behind his victory. Noted artist Rano Karno of the
\npopular Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel the Schoolboy), which is set
\nin a native Jakarta community, spoke to The Jakarta Post's Soeryo
\nWinoto about Sutiyoso's reelection.<\/p>\n
Question: What do you think of Sutiyoso's reelection?<\/p>\n
Answer: Whoever leads and governs Jakarta faces a very tough
\njob ... The fact is that Jakarta needs an experienced figure. I
\ndon't care if the (new) governor is Betawi (an indigenous
\nJakartan) or not.<\/p>\n
Ideally, a governor must have a formal educational background
\nin state administration. Sutiyoso was a soldier but since he
\nbecame the Jakarta governor he could have learned much about
\nstate administration.<\/p>\n
Whether you or I like it or not, the fact is that Sutiyoso has
\nhad five year's experience. Despite his shortcomings, he could be
\nbetter than those who are inexperienced. A new governor would
\ntake time to understand the complicated problems of the capital
\ncity.<\/p>\n
Learning by experience is possible, but it's time consuming,
\nwhile there are more problems that lie ahead.
\nDo you agree with the belief that corruption, collusion and
\nnepotism (KKN) were behind Sutiyoso's reelection? And what about
\nthe huge demonstrations against him before and during the
\nelection?<\/p>\n
I don't know. It's not that easy to prove KKN. In the past the
\nJakarta governor was chosen by the president. I don't know
\nwhether it was the president's prerogative. Now that we are in
\nthe reform era, we have many gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial
\ncandidates. And people are allowed to express their aspirations.
\nA popular candidate, who eventually wins the election could evoke
\njealousy among those unelected.<\/p>\n
People have branded Sutiyoso a failure as governor. What were
\nhis achievements during his five-year term, if any?<\/p>\n
He was not a complete failure. But he is always remembered as
\na former Jakarta Military commander, and people always relate his
\nposition at that time to the bloody July 27, 1996 incident. The
\nlatest failure, according to people, were the big floods early
\nthis year.<\/p>\n
However, some people may say that whoever the military chief
\nwas in that political climate (in 1996) would have done the same
\nthing as Sutiyoso. Some may also say that a flood is -- in a way
\n-- a natural phenomenon.<\/p>\n
I'm not a politician or anyone to speak as a supporter of a
\ncertain political force or group. I'm an artist, so let me speak
\nabout things relating to culture and the arts. I think Sutiyoso
\npaid good attention to the preservation and development of Betawi
\narts and culture. That's one of Sutiyoso's positive points.<\/p>\n
The Situ Babakan (Betawi) cultural preservation project in
\nSrengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, could be cited as an example of
\nhis concern about the preservation of Betawi culture. He was the
\nonly governor who held a Betawi traditional ceremony when moving
\nto a new house. I don't know if his move was part of his efforts
\nto gain popularity among the Betawi people. I don't care.<\/p>\n
Now that he has been reelected, Sutiyoso should improve his
\nimage among the people. What do you think?<\/p>\n
It's the last time he can be the Jakarta governor. He will not
\nhold the position after this five-year term. He should make clear
\nprograms, short and long-term programs which directly touch the
\npeople.<\/p>\n
Environmental problems are crucial. Anticipation of flooding
\nand proper garbage handling must be top priority. Jakarta has a
\nvery serious garbage problem. In the past we could use Bantar
\nGebang in Bekasi, West Java, as a final dump site for free. Now
\nJakartans cannot use Bantar Gebang as freely as we did in the
\npast, and it is the governor who should find a solution.<\/p>\n
Do you think that Sutiyoso has the support of the people and
\nof his aides at City Hall? And can he still deal with the myriad
\nunresolved problems in the capital?<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso deserves the chance (to govern Jakarta) as he is
\nstill able to do his job, despite his weaknesses. Give him a
\nchance. Successfully managing Jakarta also depends on the City
\nCouncil. The current City Council has yet to properly represent
\nthe people.<\/p>\n
We need a strong City Council, one that can join hands with
\nthe governor to overcome the city's problems. Sutiyoso should
\nalso be selective in his choice of aides. He should single out
\ncarefully those who have strong commitment and capability to
\nimplement any programs set by the administration. These are all
\nstill possible. Let's work together to "rebuild" our Jakarta.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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