`Better to stage more rallies in 2003'

With the New Year approaching, people are full of hope that better things will come. However, despite their hope, many Jakartans remain pessimistic about life in the city. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about their expectations for 2003.

Agus, 21, is a juice vendor in Tanah Merah, North Jakarta, where he also lives:

Most poor people in the city are always neglected by the government and the rich.

A perfect example is that when the rich want to build a luxury housing complex, the houses of the poor are destroyed to pave the way for the project.

Worse still, the city administration never sides with the poor. Forcible evictions happen all the time across from Greater Jakarta because the poor are always seen as disturbing public order.

I don't think it's fair at all. Why should I pay taxes if my rights as a resident are never protected?

I think it would be better to stage more rallies in 2003 to try and force the governor to side with the poor residents. But the small voice of the poor will never be heard. All of the poor here should unite to force the government to pay attention to them.

Suhaeri, 30, is a security guard at a shopping center in Pluit, North Jakarta. He resides in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, with his wife and daughter:

I just hope that next year the city will be far safer in terms of public security. The rising number of street crimes have horrified city residents.

Also, the city administration should side more often with ordinary people. They are all corrupt officials who neglect the interests of the public.

To the city administration, please improve the living conditions here in order to help alleviate poverty in the city.

I hope this happens in 2003, though I'm pessimistic about the chances.

Mamok, 60, lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

As a resident, I feel that the city administration has thus far wasted billions of rupiah of the city budget on useless projects.

How much money has been spent on the water fountain at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, fencing the National Monument park and implementing the busway project?

I am pessimistic the city will improve in 2003 since Governor Sutiyoso will continue to work on these kinds of projects. He has never listened to public criticism. Unless he steps down, such projects will go on.

Erwin, 27, is a sidewalk vendor in Tangerang, Banten. He lives in Palmerah, West Jakarta:

I think life got tougher this year compared to previous years. I have to scramble daily to make a living and survive in the city.

I don't think I have any hope for 2003. Perhaps I will continue to face the same situation.

I feel apathy and pessimism because all I see is another gloomy year coming. So it would be better for me just to think about surviving. To think of simply how to cope with my hunger is the best thing I can do.

I don't care about the government or the city administration as they never think about me. Yes, apathetic might be the best word for me.

-- Leo Wahyudi S