'Anniversary does nothing to improve my life'

Jakarta celebrated its 478th anniversary on June 22 amid reports of malnutrition in the capital. Many people say that the administration should put more money into improving public services, especially for the poor, rather than buying fireworks. The Jakarta Post asked residents for suggestions on how Jakarta could become a more livable city.

Acang, 34, is a street vendor in the Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta. He lives nearby in the Petamburan area:

Any anniversary would not make my life better. The Jakarta public order officers chase us as if we are criminals, although we do nothing else but sell things to passersby.

We have to work hard just to survive. We need the money to feed our family and send the children to school.

If the city administration can give me a better job, I will express my gratitude. But if they cannot offer any alternative job, then they should leave street vendors alone. I don't want to become a robber or pickpocket.

Ucok, 30, is an activist with a non-governmental organization whose office is in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. He lives in a boarding house on Jl. Kramat Raya, East Jakarta:

The city administration's officials must use the momentum of the Jakarta anniversary to correct the errors they have made through the year.

As an activist who closely monitors the use of taxpayers's money, I must say that city leaders, particularly Governor Sutiyoso, must prove their seriousness in combating corruption, collusion, and nepotism.

Without corruption, the city administration could significantly improve people's welfare with its Rp 14 trillion (US$1.47 billion) budget for this year.

With such money, the city could assist students of poor families with paying school fees. The city can also give additional nutrition for children from poor families so that there will be no more malnutrition cases in the city.

-- The Jakarta Post