'I hope to buy one or two cows in 2003'

With the coming of the new year, people hope for better days during 2003, especially as past years have been clouded by economic difficulties. The Jakarta Post interviewed some city residents about their hopes and dreams for 2003.

Bu Sarip, is a mother of four children who has been selling mung bean porridge for three years. She lives on Jl. Lada Dalam, in West Jakarta, with her family:

My dream is that in 2003 the economy will improve so that low income people like me can easily earn a living.

With more income, I could afford to sell more goods, at least something like instant noodles. I wish I could earn more than my daily income now, which is usually about Rp 50,000 a day.

Then, I wish I could have a food stall around here so that I could earn more income.

Frankly, I have a lot of hopes for the new year, but the most important one is to develop my business. More goods and a better place are my dreams this year.

However, I believe that man proposes and God disposes.

Tugiman, 25, has worked as a motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver on Jl. Pakin, North Jakarta, for more than a year. He lives in Jembatan Baru, West Jakarta, with friends:

Despite my low income, I also hope that life will be easier in 2003; that I could earn more money easily.

At least, there should be an increase in my earnings compared to the previous year. I usually get Rp 20,000 a day at the most, so in 2003 I should earn more.

With the increased income, I plan to save money so that I can buy one or two cows in my village in Sragen, Central Java. I estimate the smallest cow would cost around Rp 1.5 million. But, I'm sure it will make a good investment.

The following year, if I have enough savings, I plan to marry someone I love. So far, I don't dare to start a relationship with a girl because I realize I'm not prepared to support her.

Saumin, 63, is a street sweeper. He lives in Tomang, West Jakarta, with his wife and four of their seven children:

I don't have any wishes for 2003. My life is just the way it is and is unlikely to change.

I'm getting older and, so what should I expect? I'm just trying to be realistic. My salary as a street sweeper is only Rp 200,000 a month. That the amount of money is meaningless compared to the actual daily needs of my family.

I feel it's hard to make a wish while I don't have any money. I'm the only breadwinner in the family. I am a retired employee of the city public works agency, but my pension, around Rp 400,000, a month, is far from enough.

Perhaps, my hope is that I can continue to support my children's education, at least until they finish senior high school. But I need the help of my three other children, who are already married, to help finance their education.

-- Leo Wahyudi S