Hope is high for the elected leaders

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In another democratic move, people across the country will take part for the first time in electing leaders in their respective regions. How do they feel about this and what do they wish for the elected leaders? The Jakarta Post interviewed some people and compiled their opinions in the following report. ==================================================================

Ignasius Dwi K., 32, a poultry farmer in the Central Java town of Sleman:

The government never really helps poultry farmers, not on policies or funding. When our farms collapsed because of bird flu and the market plummeted, the government did not help.

Whether the regent is elected by the councillors or directly by the people, it still will not do people like me any good. If our businesses go bankrupt, we have to carry the burden ourselves, trying to get loans from here and there. Only we can help ourselves.

And I'm not sure I'll vote either. If I'm not busy, I'll vote, but if I'm busy feeding my chickens. In fact, I'd rather go feed my chickens, it'll do more good.

Sri Setyawati, an anthropology lecturer at the University of Andalas in Padang:

The upcoming elections, although they will be direct elections, will not turn out much differently from previous elections. The preparation has been done in a limited time and people are not involved in selecting the candidates. In the end, the elections will not be able to elect leaders who can bring in real changes.

For the people, the elections are just a routine. I'm sure many voters will perform their duties (vote on polling day) with little understanding or knowledge of the candidates.

Sgt. Maj. Sudarsono, 37, a resident living Soreang, Bandung regency:

I hope the incumbent regent does not win the election since he has made no improvements to the welfare of people who are mostly poor and can't find decent work.

I want the elected regent to come from the younger generation who has the spirit to make changes, independent and free from corruption. I want him to think more about the people instead of 'paying back' his supporters.

Jansen Hutagaol, 48, a parking attendant in Medan:

Direct election or not it's all bulls**t. The candidates (for the elections) never really care about the people. You can see quite easily that poor people have remained poor and the leaders are getting richer.

I'm worried there that will be chaos during the elections because the candidates' supporters will do anything to win. The signs of trouble can already be seen in several areas. The government must try to prevent this. Otherwise, it's the people who will become the victims.

Agus Sujianto, 29, a private employee in Semarang:

I want the Semarang mayor-elect to deal with flood problems. The city experiences flooding every year but the problem is never solved. I want the mayor to provide balanced city space, where there are parks and public spaces for recreation.

Isbedy Stiawan Z.S., 47, an artist living in West Tanjungkarang district, Bandarlampung:

Considering that Lampung has many tribal organizations and 'paramilitary' groups who openly wear military-style uniform and train for "self-defense", I'm worried that conflict might easily erupt because in reality, many candidates are competing to get those groups' support.

As an artist, I dream of a leader who cares about parks and open space. Currently, there's almost no public space in Bandarlampung. The only option is Saburai field, which belongs to the Garuda Hitam military command, but is being used for racetrack.

Rumbadie Dalle, 49, a journalist and deputy chairman of the Indonesia Journalists Association in Riau Islands:

The elections are expected to come up with credible leaders elected by the people. The elections are good in a democratic system, since people don't have to rely on a couple of dozen councillors, who are prone to take bribes in exchange for votes. Buying millions of people's votes will be impossible to do.

But there's a concern that there might be clashes by villagers over their supported candidates. The clashes might occur if the candidates are not fair. The police should be alert on this.

Herman Sanjaya, 32, a resident of Batuah village in Kutai Kartanegara regency, East Kalimantan:

I just hope the promise to repair the road in my village can be realized by the elected regent. Promises were made during the general elections in 1999 to 2004, but nothing ever happened. In the campaign, the candidates are again promising to repair the road, but it seems the people are not sure it will be kept.

Masri, General Manager of Novotel Hotel in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra:

As we're in the tourism business, we hope the elected West Sumatra governor and Bukittinggi mayor are people who have a basic concept about tourism development. Someone who has a tourism vision and can focus on developing the sector.

I also hope the elected leaders can accommodate the interests of all. And since people agree that Bukittinggi is a tourist city, it's hoped that the elected leaders can develop the city so all people can enjoy the benefits.

Rozali Abdullah, chairman of the Jambi Province Election Committee:

Anyone who wins the election should be able to lead with a solid mandate because they're elected by the people. Everyone taking part in the election is thus taking part in the development of the province.