'Incompetent politicians must rely on bribery'

Allegations regarding money politics in the recent gubernatorial election have upset the public, including people on the streets. The Jakarta Post talked to some of them.

Ichen, 22, is a street singer who has worked the public buses in Greater Jakarta for almost two years. He lives in Petukangan, South Jakarta, with his friends. He moved from Bangka to Jakarta five years ago:

Only unqualified and incompetent people would get involved in money politics. If the gubernatorial candidates were genuinely qualified, they would compete with each other fairly in the election.

However, if the issue regarding money politics is true, it implies that Sutiyoso had a lot of money to pay people to support him. If he had common sense, he would use his money for the greater benefit of the city, and ultimately his reputation. For instance, by providing jobs for street children and people like us.

Ryan, 24, has been a tattoo artist for more than three years at Blok M, South Jakarta. He moved from Surakarta, Central Java, to Jakarta five years ago and now resides in Petukangan, South Jakarta:

Frankly, I'm really upset that city councillors and officials are engaged in money politics.

Low-income people like us struggle hard for a better living, yet they teach us a bad example.

I cannot deny the reality that money politics is still widespread in the country, particularly among bureaucrats. The revelations of bribery and city councillors have hurt ordinary people deeply.

Well, it was just a matter of a great deal of luck and money that Sutiyoso won the election, despite the fact that many people hate him.

However, I'm sure he will have a hard time keeping in line the people who don't like him.

Jakarta will remain the city it already was -- unpleasant and disorganized under his leadership.

Wahyu, 23, is a salesman for a private company in Tangerang. The native Jakartan resides in Pondok Gede, Bekasi, with his wife:

I was terribly disappointed upon hearing about money politics during the recent gubernatorial election. What will happen to the city in the hands of a corrupt leader like Sutiyoso? I daren't imagine it.

I'm sick of all this talk of money politics among the country's leaders. They're all corrupt.

Well, like it or not, I have to accept the reality. He is the governor now regardless of his rejection by the public.

The most important thing is that he should look back at his terrible track record. Jakarta would be much better if Sutiyoso learned something from his mistakes in the past. Otherwise, the city will remain exactly the same.

As a matter of fact, I don't really care too much who rules the city. My main concern is that the person should be able to improve the quality of life here.

-- Leo Wahyudi S