'I hope the citizen's lawsuit will work'

'I hope the citizen's lawsuit will work'

Due to strong indications of the involvement of money politics in
the recent gubernatorial election, activists from non-
governmental organizations and student organizations plan to file
a citizens' lawsuit to demand annulment of the election results.
Some people share their concerns with The Jakarta Post.

Meutia Mahardhika, 21, a student taking a non-degree program
majoring in communication at the University of Indonesia. She
lives in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta with her family:

I agree with the idea to take legal action to annul the result
of the election as Sutiyoso is accused of using bribes to win
reelection. At least, it will clarify to the public the truth
behind the reelection.

It's reasonable to file the suit as the allegations of money
politics is obvious to the public.

In fact, there are many irregularities. Something strange has
happened. In many areas in the city, there are banners erected in
public places to give the impression that all Jakartans support
his victory.

If the plaintiffs win the case, Sutiyoso should step down.

Personally, I seriously doubt his ability to cope with the
city's problems during his second tenure.

Lihan, 28, has worked as a private driver for seven years. He
lives in Roxy, West Jakarta but comes from Cilacap, Central
Jakarta, where his wife and only son live:

I agree with the lawsuit to enforce the law and to find out
the truth related to alleged irregularities in the election.

Law enforcement here is important to produce an honest and
qualified leader. If the leader is accountable and honest, the
subordinates will do their jobs properly.

Frankly, I don't like Sutiyoso and even any of the other city
governors. All are the same. Low-income people like me have to
pay money to corrupt officials when we deal with the
administration.

Bureaucratic procedures with criminal officials have always
burdened the ordinary people with their extortion.

Lily, an insurance consultant who lives in Ciputat, South
Jakarta. She has been working in her profession for nine years:

I think a lawsuit is needed to disclose the truth and to act
as a public control mechanism over the city government.

However, have we considered who then deserves to be the next
governor in case Sutiyoso steps down? We need a more qualified
governor to fill the post.

Otherwise, the situation here will worsen following the
failures during Sutiyoso's previous tenure.

Well, hopefully the lawsuit will work well for the betterment
of the city.

Aya, not her real name, 24, a sales representative from a
private company. She lives in Serpong with her family:

I agree with the lawsuit as long as there is strong evidence
to back the case.

To me, the rumors about the gubernatorial election are almost
convincing because there are indications of corruption during his
first term.

The most important thing is to enforce the law seriously in
the city and above all in the country. Otherwise, justice is
always overlooked in favor of the power of money.

We should learn from our neighboring countries where everyone
is equal before the law regardless of their (social) status.

Therefore, I encourage the (activists) to file a lawsuit
regarding the gubernatorial election here. If the legal process
can prove the allegation, then Sutiyoso and the elected vice
governor should resign.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.