'I don't expect much from the legislators'
The People's Consultative Assembly's Annual Session, which will cost at least Rp 19 billion, begins on Aug. 1. A number of important issues are to be discussed at the 10-day session, which will see politicians jostling with each other. However, common people do not seem to be aware of the event. Some share their opinions with The Jakarta Post.
Bimanto, 34, an employee at a state-owned company on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta. He lives in Pancoran with his wife and two children:
Thank God my office is not located near the House of Representatives/People Consultative's Assembly (DPR/MPR) building. There will surely be many demonstrations during the Annual Session, which will cause heavy traffic in the area.
Personally speaking, I don't care about the session. I don't expect much from the legislators. Besides, it would be stupid to expect them to make my life better.
I think all they can is spend state money. The session requires a lot of money, including to pay for five-star hotel accommodation for the legislators. They should not waste state money for things like that. The government should use the money for the people.
Lakiman, 25, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver living in Tomang, West Jakarta. He comes from Baturetno, Central Java:
When will the Annual Session begin? Well, I'll grudgingly support the People's Consultative Assembly agenda, but I cannot deny that I feel apathetic toward the Assembly. The sessions have always failed to voice the people's aspirations.
It would be better for the legislators and the government to find the best solution to the country's problems. Otherwise, the country could be destroyed.
So, the only choices left for the honorable members of the Assembly is to find a solution or have the country face devastation.
I'm sick of the uncertainty in the country.
Idrus Toto,40, a taxi driver in Jakarta who lives in Cileungsi, Bogor, West Java:
The MPR Annual Session? I don't want to talk about politics. Too many people talk about it. I don't know much about the MPR session as I no longer read newspapers. I am bored with newspaper reports about politicians because they always blame each other.
I can say that the most important thing for a leader is that he or she should be strongly committed to the people's welfare. But it is difficult to find such a leader now.
The MPR session is held every year, but if our leaders lack the commitment, our hope for a better future will remain just a dream.
Alfiyadin, 24, a Lampung-born tire repair man operating in front of the Jakarta Convention Center in South Jakarta. He resides in Bendungan Hilir in South Jakarta with his wife and son.
I know that the Annual Session will be held early next month from local papers, but I don't know what topics will be discussed in the meeting.
I don't really care about the meeting as for me the most important thing is to earn money every day for my family.
Besides, judging from past experience, the meeting won't bring significant change to people's lives. That's why I'm not interested in it.