'Corruption is rampant in the bureaucracy'

'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.