'I'd rather watch soccer matches'

The media is full of ad campaigns and debate among presidential candidates ahead of the July 5 direct presidential election, the first in the country's history. However, many political analysts have bemoaned the lack of strong, charismatic candidates. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakartans how they singled out their candidates.

Anto, 32, is a es dawet ayu (traditional iced drink) vendor at Pasar Rumput, South Jakarta. He lives close to the Jl. Surabaya flea market in Central Jakarta:

The upcoming presidential election is unlike the previous ones, where we had practically no voice at all. We only got to choose parties, which would then choose our legislative members, who would then choose the president. In the end, the president was whoever was is in line with the party that won the legislative election.

With today's direct election, we can choose a different president, if it turns out that we don't like the party that won the legislative election.

As for whom I will vote in the upcoming presidential election, let me just reiterate a popular campaign slogan: "Let the people choose." But I think I'll go with the candidate with the most rhythmical initials, if you know who I mean.

Soleh, 29, is a railway mechanic at Manggarai railway station, East Jakarta. He lives with his friends in a rented house in Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta:

I reckon the presidential election will be simpler than the previous legislative elections because we will have only five candidates to choose between.

The previous legislative election was confusing for me, because I had to choose among a list of legislative candidates of whom I'd never even heard before, apart from the 24 parties. Back then, I took the easy way out and just voted for the party.

But I think the upcoming presidential election will also be confusing because the candidates' campaigns have not been as fervent and lively as during the legislative elections, so I don't know them well enough.

I know the candidates are also launching their campaigns via television, but I'd rather watch football matches instead.

So I don't know yet; I'll just have to see later whom I will choose for president. Or maybe I'll just vote for the most popular candidate I know of.

--The Jakarta Post