'Governor Sutiyoso does not have people's support'

'Governor Sutiyoso does not have people's support'

Despite the controversy over his poor performance and strong
public protest, governor Sutiyoso finally won the gubernatorial
election on Wednesday. Some people shared their ideas on
Sutiyoso's reelection with The Jakarta Post.

Bagas, 28, a kindergarten teacher of a leading private school
in Salemba, Central Jakarta. He has been residing in Matraman
with his siblings for a year:

Was Sutiyoso really elected? Really? S**t. That's too bad.

As far as I'm concerned, I have never felt that governor
Sutiyoso has made any down-to-earth policy which brings benefit
low-income people like me.

For instance, in the case of the flooding at the beginning of
this year, Sutiyoso seemed to lack seriousness in handling the
core problem. Worse still, he's never followed up on the efforts
to solve it so far.

However, knowing the fact that Sutiyoso was reelected, I could
say nothing. My worry comes true that an incapable leader will
continue to govern the city.

I'm badly disappointed, but what should I do? Do you think I
could change the corrupt system?

The best way for poor people like me is just take it for
granted. We give up. I face the reality despite my grievance.

I think there is no more ideal figure of a governor, who is
persistent, hard-working and accountable. Nobody is honest here.

Meti F. Siregar, 27, a staff member of a delivery service
company in East Jakarta. The Jakarta-born woman lives in Pasar
Minggu, South Jakarta with her family:

I'm sure that most residents in Jakarta dislike Sutiyoso and
nobody would have elected him should there be a direct election.

He just won because of President Megawati's support, not the
people's.

Knowing that Sutiyoso won the election, I give up. No comment.
All I can do is hope for a blessing in disguise.

Sutiyoso's leadership is far from being reputable. There is no
social equality among the local residents. Forced eviction has
deteriorated his performance as the city leader.

Anyway, I'm fed up with the social problems. So, I'm sick of
talking about the city administrative officials. Everything will
be to no avail because whoever fills in the top leadership post,
he or she would most likely forget the poor people.

I'm just apathetic with the fact that whoever the leader is,
including Sutiyoso, they will be the same as their predecessors:
ignorant and selfish.

Tamara, not her real name, 24, a staff member of a
communication consultation company in Kebayoran Baru, South
Jakarta. She resides in Tangerang with her family:

In my opinion, governor Sutiyoso has thus far failed to cover
all of the city's problems. We can see that most local residents
in the city lamented about feeling insecure anywhere, even a
meter outside the house.

It seems that Sutiyoso refuses to be responsible for the
rampant poverty and alarming street crimes. It is obvious proof
of how incapable he is.

As he was re-elected for the next gubernatorial term, I feel
pessimistic that he could handle the city.

Anyway, as a woman who tends to feel insecure recently, I
suggest the he make security the top priority.

-- Leo Wahyudi S