'Corruption is rampant in the bureaucracy'

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Teenagers might speak loudly and emotionally, but they are also spontaneous. Posed with questions about Governor Sutiyoso, some were serious, some were playful, while others were just indifferent.

It is interesting to hear what they say about Sutiyoso, who has stated his readiness to join the governorship race after his five-year term ends in October.

Andre Lutfiansyah, 17, a second-year student at state SMU 37 high school in Kebon Baru, South Jakarta. The Jakarta-born student lives in Manggarai, South Jakarta.

I have never met Governor Sutiyoso in person. I know him only from television. But, as a Jakarta resident, I am not satisfied with his performance.

His main problem is that he is not tough enough to take strict action against wayward subordinates.

The practice of KKN (corruption, collusion and nepotism), is still rampant, especially in his bureaucracy. People face too much red-tape when applying for documents, which at times ... oh, not always, require them to spend money on bribes.

The government supposedly introduced free education, so that children can complete junior high school, with the wajib belajar 9 tahun or nine-year compulsory education program. But, in reality, we still have to pay numerous fees.

Adityawarman, 16, a first-year student at Dewi Sartika High School in Tebet, South Jakarta. He was born in Jakarta and stays in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta.

I met Sutiyoso in a meeting at my school. He did not impress me much. He has done nothing significant for the public.

As Jakarta governor, Sutiyoso has made too many promises to the residents, none of which has been realized. I still remember that he promised to help build infrastructure for my school last year, but it was just a bluff.

Don't reelect him for another term. Instead, elect me as he is no better than me (giggling). If I were governor, I would give infrastructure for education and youth activities top priority as they are important for the country's future.

Intan, 17, a third-year student at a private school in Central Jakarta. She has lived in Jakarta for three years and lives in Manggarai, South Jakarta.

I'm a newcomer here. But it's enough to know that he is not a good governor. One thing that I know from many people around me is that he failed to cope with floods in the capital. Even though flooding is an annual occurrence and is predictable, he failed to prevent the flood.

Besides, as a student, I don't think he is concerned about education and youth affairs. No program has been set to improve education.

Tommy S., a second-year student at state SMU 26 high school in Tebet, South Jakarta. He was born in Jakarta and lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta.

I don't care about Governor Sutiyoso and his performance as nothing he has done has had an impact on my life. Sorry, that is the reality. At least, I don't feel any significant impact.

I don't care about the next governor, either. If people want to reelect him for another term, I wouldn't object at all.