'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.