`This year was worse than last year'<\/p>\n
The end of 2002 is nearing. Many people say the economic crisis
\nstill persists and that this year has been even worse than the
\nprevious years. The Jakarta Post asked some city residents their
\nthoughts about 2002 as the year 2003 draws closer.<\/p>\n
Purwoko, 33, is a vendor who sells fried snacks. He lives in
\nTanjung Duren, West Jakarta with his wife and son:<\/p>\n
I guess the economic slowdown is the most prominent problem in
\n2002. Because this year was far worse than previous years.<\/p>\n
As one of the low income people who lives in the city, I swear
\nthat life in Jakarta is getting harder.<\/p>\n
Almost all prices of daily commodities are increasing at the
\nmoment.<\/p>\n
I don't have greater hopes for next year because whoever leads
\nthe country will be corrupt and incompetent.<\/p>\n
I'm pessimistic that the country, particularly the city, will
\nbe able to improve due to the ongoing economic problems.<\/p>\n
Unless the government makes effort to improve the people's
\nwelfare, the country will face worsening conditions and the
\npublic will have antipathy toward the government.<\/p>\n
Eka Wenats, 32, is a lecturer at a noted private university in
\nSouth Jakarta. He lives in Jatiwaringin, Bekasi, with his wife:<\/p>\n
I'm really fed up with what has happened in 2002. Everything
\nwas worse than the previous years.<\/p>\n
I guess I'm one of the people who feels indifferent toward the
\ngovernment particularly the city governor who apparently does
\nnot side with the poor.<\/p>\n
There are many things causing me to feel fed up. Severe
\ntraffic jams, the low mentality of officials, and the selfishness
\nof government officials are among the issues that concern me.<\/p>\n
But the most obvious is that both the city administration and
\nthe people don't care about each other. There is no more feeling
\nof friendliness, if I may say so. I don't see any goodwill at all
\non the part of the government to change the situation.<\/p>\n
I'm sick of the high-ranking officials and leaders who are
\nsimply money and power oriented.<\/p>\n
Frankly, I've started to be apathetic. I don't always stop at
\ntraffic lights as I don't have respect for the money craving
\npolice.<\/p>\n
Next year will be even worse, I assume. So, why should I care
\nabout others if almost all city residents here are senseless? Why
\nshould I be a good taxpayer if I don't get what I deserve as a
\ntaxpayer?<\/p>\n
I would recommend that President Megawati and Governor
\nSutiyoso step down because they are just such incompetent
\nleaders!<\/p>\n
Iwan, 18, is a vendor selling trumpets for the upcoming New
\nYear. He rents a house in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I don't see any significant improvement in 2002. The country
\nis getting even poorer compared to previous years.<\/p>\n
The rampant street crimes across Greater Jakarta scare me. I
\nguess the economic hardship in the city had led people to
\ncriminal activity.<\/p>\n
The economic downturn has made life difficult for every city
\nresident. Our increasing needs and limited earnings depresses us
\nso much that sometimes we become hard-hearted survivors.<\/p>\n
I wonder why the greedy politicians and high-ranking officials
\nare so concerned with the next general election rather than the
\nwelfare of the poor.<\/p>\n
The President and the governor are incompetent leaders and
\nshould be changed. They always ignore the real situation faced by
\nthe people.<\/p>\n
I have nothing to say about my hopes for 2003 as I feel
\npessimistic and apathetic. I'm sure there will be no improvement.
\nTherefore a poor person like me just learns to be grateful for
\nbeing able to survive.<\/p>",
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