`Better to stage more rallies in 2003'

`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