At 471, Jakarta turns a black page in its history

JAKARTA (JP): The accent is on the subdued as the city marks its 471st anniversary today. Despite the absence of grand celebrations, the annual Jakarta Fair -- a mainstay of the anniversary's commemoration -- will go on even despite a postponement until July due to the tumultuous economic and political situation.

Jakartans shared their thoughts on marking another milestone during a time of unprecedented hardship and in the wake of the May riots which blackened the face of their city.

Abdulah, a traditional es cendol (iced beverage) vendor: It's sad to see Jakarta marking its anniversary in such a condition. It looked very ugly with all the burned buildings, not to mention the sad and stressed faces of the people who lost their belongings and loved ones during the riot. I was very lucky not to be a victim.

Hendra, a Chinese-Indonesian man whose motorbike workshop in Petukangan, South Jakarta, was damaged during the riots: I almost forgot about the anniversary. Not that I don't care, but I've been busy with my own sorrow... For Jakarta's anniversary, I hope that it will regain its spirit soon and everything will return to normal. Please, no more burning and looting. I also hope that Jakarta will give its residents a better life and environment. By the way, will they (the administration) organize any celebration? A modest one will do to ease our tension, I suppose. Happy anniversary anyway.

Irawan Sarpingi, chairman of the Association of Public Transportation Owners (Organda): What Jakartans need today is the physical and psychological protection. People are still in deep trauma because of the massive riots ... I hope the administration can guarantee that people are safe to run their businesses. Businesspeople need the guarantee to resume their activities. I also hope that the administration will make reform efforts in its services, especially transportation. I think the administration should first ensure better welfare of their employees so that the latter will stop collecting illegal levies because their needs will have been covered by their salaries.

Bill Saragih, a noted jazz musician: My message is, of course, happy anniversary, have a long existence, with the hope that there is a guarantee for the security here. That's the most important thing. Let there be no more disturbances because what is essential now is for the people to have something to eat. The city has been blessed with all the good things, let's not destroy this. My suggestion is for the administration to improve the public transportation services. On the other hand, the public should also support it by behaving more appropriately. Once again, happy 471st anniversary and many happy returns.

Ridwan Saidy, a politician: On its 471st anniversary, Jakarta bears witness to the rise and fall of the power of former president Soeharto. The country's change of power always has an impact on the city's physical form. The celebration of the city's anniversary is marked by the odor of the dead, intimidation and the ruins, all of which have scared the inhabitants. We witness that Jakarta is becoming a dead city in which symbols of modernity like cafes, toll roads and apartments are deserted.

Tini Hadad, chairwoman of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation: I think the city's anniversary should be commemorated in the spirit to correct anything which is wrong. It's important for the administration to be consistent with regulations it has made. Frankly speaking, it's notorious for being inconsistent with its own regulations, not to mention the bad behavior of its officials.

People know that the administration itself frequently violates its own legal products. For example, many green areas have been changed into hotels, shopping centers or other sites. This happened because of collusion and corruption practiced by the officials. People are sick of it. They have to face difficulties in getting services or pay more than the official fees in processing documents. If the administration does not take any action to solve all those (problems), then the commemoration will has no meaning. (cst/ind)