'An ideal leader should listen to the people'

Many have expressed opinions that amid the reform era Indonesia has deteriorated because the country's leaders lack the ability or will to deal with the numerous fundamental problems. In response to the Youth Pledge Day on Oct. 28, educated young people shared their views with what constituted an ideal leader.

Diandra, 32, is a post graduate student from the University of Indonesia. She lives in East Jakarta with her family:

I think an ideal figure should have a strong commitment to serving the public wholeheartedly.

He or she should pay full and serious attention to public services, especially the needy that constitute the majority of the country's population.

An ideal leader should have a clear vision and mission to alleviate poverty, empower the poverty-stricken people and fight against the rampant corruption.

The poor transportation system in the city, the recent evictions of the poor, the expensive health care services and education is a true reflection of the bad governance.

She (President Megawati Soekarnoputri) is not open to any public complaints. Most state officials, including the national leader, have turned a deaf ear and been blind to the people's suffering.

But I like Yogyakarta governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. His policy sides with his people in governing the former kingdom.

Widi, 20, is a student at Trisakti University in Rawasari, Central Jakarta. She lives in Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta with her family:

In my opinion, an ideal leader should be down to the earth and dedicate a major part of his/her time to the people.

Unfortunately, our government now has fallen short of encouraging the people and of building social infrastructure to help them develop their social welfare.

I don't know why I like certain figures like the Yogyakarta governor. I know he is not perfect but he has shown his social and moral commitment to listening to his people's aspirations.

Andre, 23, is a second year student at a private university in South Jakarta. He resides in Kalimalang, East Jakarta:

An ideal leader should be able and committed to accommodating what a majority of the people want them to do. They must listen to the people and have a deep empathy to the people's hard lives.

It is an undeniable fact that Jakarta is an overpopulated city and, therefore, it seems impossible to continue accepting new migrants into the city. The inflow of new migrants will worsen the unemployment problem and add to increased crime.

Regrettably, all leaders have thus far brought the country backwards.

We need only concrete action, instead of empty rhetoric and nonsense statements.

I respect People's Consultative Assembly Chairman Amien Rais with his hard stance on the people's interests and he is quite open to any criticism and difference of opinion.

However, such an attitude is not a guarantee that a leader like him could automatically lead the country successfully. Let's see at next year's general elections whether or not he has won the political support from the majority of the people to preside over the big country. -- Leo Wahyudi S