Ethnicity not relevant in electing governor

Should the next city governor be a Betawi? Several Jakarta residents said ethnicity was no longer relevant in choosing a leader. What is required from gubernatorial candidates, they say, is an ability to manage, not a certain ethnicity.

Diana, 19, a student of a private university in West Jakarta. She was born here and lives in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

This is the reform era. It means that now is time for civilians to lead, as we have been led by military people for too long.

I think it would be better if the city was led by a civilian. But of course, one who is "clean". A civilian, in my opinion, would better understand the social aspects in the city compared to a candidate with a military background.

Besides, it's rather funny that someone with a military background would run for governor. Military personnel are trained to manage the country's defense, particularly from foreign threats. They don't have experience managing a city, even if they do have an excellent military record.

Marco Kusumawijaya, 30, an urban activist and architect. He was recently nominated by several non-governmental organizations as a gubernatorial candidate:

Anybody could lead the city as far as he or is capable and is acceptable to the people. Ethnicity is not relevant.

It's a democratic country and its leaders should not be elected based on ethnicity.

Ool, 25, lives in Kebon Jeruk subdistrict, West Jakarta, and originally comes from West Sumatra. He has been in Jakarta for six years, and works as a public transportation driver plying the Tanah Abang-Kebayoran Lama route.

As a migrant citizen, I do not care about the ethnicity of the next governor. The most important thing for me is that the governor should care about the fate of all Jakarta people, including poor people like me.

If there is a Betawi candidate, why not? But it would not be fair if any group in society, including the Betawi, insisted that the next governor comes from their community.

Hary Kuncoro, 32, is a police officer working at city police headquarters. He lives with his two children in Tebet, South Jakarta, where most residents are Betawi.

I guess Sutiyoso should leave his post as governor as his track record does not impress the public. He also lacks serious concern and responsibility for the needy.

Remember the severe flooding early this year? And yet, did he act quickly to help the victims? Not at all!

Whether a native Jakartan is elected does not matter as long as the candidate is committed to the needy. The capability of how to manage the city would be my top consideration before voting for a particular candidate. I do not care whether the next governor is a civilian or a military officer.

The Betawi have the potential to fill the post, but they don't really have a chance. I don't think they have the connections and access to win the gubernatorial election.

Therefore, many feel that there is no one in the Betawi community of leadership quality. -- JP