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

'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