'Cash aid will create a nation of beggars'
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been in power for almost a year now. How do the people perceive his administration? What are its achievements and failures? The Jakarta Post interviewed residents here to ask their views on the current government.
Hendri B. Satrio, 27, is a public relations consultant who works on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta. He lives in Bekasi, West Java.
I think the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla is more intelligent and transparent than former president Megawati Soekarnoputri's. The time line of their policies is more structured.
Aside from the peace agreement in Aceh, Susilo's achievements include restoring the country's dignity in the eyes of the world. No other post-New Order president has been able to do this.
However, many things still need to be taken care of. Bank Indonesia's liquidity assistance (BLBI) has not been fully repaid, while corruption is getting out of hand and the country's education concept is becoming more unclear.
Furthermore, I think there's a strong sense of business dealing and bargaining in this government, which throws suspicion on many of its policies.
What I fear most is the government will approve the increase in legislator's salaries by 65 percent in January.
Soni Astranto, 34, is a factory worker in Cimanggis, Depok. He lives in Cibinong, Bogor.
In my opinion this government has not made any major accomplishments that even come close to solving the root of some of the country's problems.
For one thing, I don't think it's right for a government to advise its people to buy kerosene because gas is too expensive.
The government should instead provide an alternative fuel.
The fuel compensation scheme, too, will only create a nation of beggars; people will become lazy and will only be able to hold out their hands for money.
During Megawati's government, our economy grew by 6 percent; how come it's come down to 5.6 percent now? I think the government should focus more on a people-oriented economy and people's welfare programs so the economy can grow.
Don't just give the people fish, they need a fishing rod.
--The Jakarta Post