'I hope they won't abuse power to amass wealth'

Yet to be confirmed, it can be safely said candidates for the Jakarta Regional Representatives Council (DPD) -- Mooryati Soedibyo, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, Biem Triani Benyamin and Marwan Batubara -- have secured seats on the council. All of them have promised to empower the newborn council and to work for the interests of the public. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on what they expect from their future representatives.

M.A. Indari Kusmarjati, who is on her 40s, works at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. She lives on Jl. Bunga Rampai in East Jakarta:

Well, the most important thing for members of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) from Jakarta is to listen to the people's aspirations because they have been elected directly by the people.

The whole country, not only Jakarta, is facing the problems of poverty, unemployment and security.

I think if DPD members focus on addressing these problems, the people would be thankful.

As a Jakartan, I hope all people can live peacefully and can make ends meet easily. That's all.

Adriana, 28, is a journalist for Nonstop daily, which has its office in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. He lives in a rented house close to his office:

Mooryati (Soedibyo) and Sarwono (Kusumaatmaja) are both popular and have contributed something to the public. Sarwono also has experience in the bureaucracy. And, as far as I know, they have good credentials.

I hope they can help improve Jakarta with their innovative ideas.

With regards the other two candidates: Biem Benyamin and Marwan Batubara, I doubt their capability because they are newcomers in politics. I don't know their political or organizational background, either.

Of course, I hope the elected DPD candidates would help voice the needs of the people of Jakarta. I also hope that they do not misuse their positions to enrich themselves.

--The Jakarta Post