'I hope I don't vote for the wrong party'

Although registration problems loomed large on polling day, millions of Indonesians went to their polling stations on Monday. April 5 was an historic day when the people cast their votes directly for over 7,000 candidates for the legislative bodies at the national, provincial and regental/municipal levels. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on how they had prepared themselves for the big day.

Solihin, 45, is a taxi driver who lives in Ciputat, South Jakarta. His hometown is Tegal, Central Java:

I'm not going back to my hometown for the elections although many of my neighbors in Ciputat are going back to their respective hometowns to cast their votes there. Instead, I will vote here in Ciputat.

In the last election, I voted for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). But they have disappointed me, so this time I will vote for either the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) or the Democratic Party.

This time I want to use my right to vote properly, although I won't get any money for what I do.

Binsar, 36, works as a technician in an electronics factory. He lives with his wife in Bogor:

I've been waiting for this for the last few months as casting my vote is the only thing I can do that will make a difference to this country, hopefully for the better.

I have prepared myself. I have even downloaded the manual on how to fold the ballot papers from the internet. I chose the party and DPD candidates whom I think will work only in the interests of the people. I hope I didn't vote for the wrong party.

Pudji, 35, is a trader at the Tanah Abang traditional market in Central Jakarta. He lives in Serpong subdistrict, Tangerang:

I'm happy that I was able to exercise my right to vote as many of my neighbors were not able to vote today, even though they wanted to, as they weren't registered.

I voted for a different party than the last time as I'm disappointed with the performance of my choice back then. The politicians were good only at making promises, but they forgot to fulfill them after they got into power.

I hope the party I vote for will win as I believe that the majority of their leaders are credible people.

But the most important thing is, whoever wins, there must be no violence as it would only cause problems for the ordinary people like me.

Siti Rohayati, 73, is a live-in domestic helper for a family living in Rawa Bunga, Jatinegara, East Jakarta. She has been living there for a year:

This time, the elections are really a pain in the neck. I am confused with the large number of parties and persons whom I have to select. Compared to past elections, the procedure in these elections is too complicated.

For me, participating in the elections is nothing more than an obligation. I am afraid that if I do not take part, I could be in trouble. I will vote for the parties I am familiar with in these elections.

--The Jakarta Post