Jakartans do not anticipate riots

Jakartans do not anticipate riots

JAKARTA (JP): Contrary to earlier expectations, many Jakartans
now believe the current heated situation ahead of the campaign
weeks and June 7 polls will be resolved peacefully.

They do not predict disturbances, or even riots, during and
after the polls. Only one person interviewed for this article
believed that a return to the mayhem of last year was likely.

The Jakarta Post met a number of people from different walks
of life to listen to their predictions for the next few weeks.

The following are excerpts from the interviews:

Datim, a Blue Bird taxi driver: I'm awaiting the upcoming
campaigning period anxiously, because we taxi drivers sometimes
can't immediately avoid the scenes of clashes.

Although the company doesn't impose a penalty if something
happens to a taxi, we still have a big responsibility to protect
the car, as it is our financial source.

We also hope that our passengers will understand if such
unexpected situations happen.

Housewife Imelda at the Harapan Indah housing complex in
Bekasi: I hope last May's occurrence won't happen again during
the upcoming campaigning.

So far, we've had a lot to do in our area, as our neighborhood
chief instructed residents to participate in a neighborhood watch
(scheme) from May 9 to June 14.

It's a pity my husband should again have less time to sleep --
just like when the city was hit by the May massive riots -- while
I'm waiting anxiously for him at home.

Handoko Rekso, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Kalibata,
South Jakarta: I'll help police and the government safeguard the
capital during the campaign period and the general election by
asking my fellow ojek drivers to be careful about receiving
invitations from unknown people to attend political meetings.

I always warn my friends not to get involved with people that
they don't know, as they could be provocateurs or people who want
to take advantage from unrest or riots here.

I'm not worried at all if unrest or clashes occur in the city
again.

Riots and clashes only burden poor people. The haves can pay
for security guards or police to take care of them.

Second private Alex of Pancoran traffic police in South
Jakarta: As a member of the police, I can understand the extra
burden we have to safeguard the capital. Police are now ordered
to stay alert and on standby 24 hours. Last week, I went home
once, but my family understand.

But it's not only because of the upcoming campaign period and
the general election; it's due to the (situation in the) capital
which has become prone to crimes.

Anton, a member of the student organization Collective Forum
(Forum Bersama): I predict the upcoming party campaign will be
bloody, since our society is yet to have political consciousness.
For example, some people are ready to receive money from parties
to follow the latter's agenda. Also, we've seen some parades of
political parties on the city's streets (which were) joined in by
teenagers.

This is a danger, since the kids are easily provoked.

Mirna A. Basalamah, public relations manager at Mercure Hotel,
Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta: I see no reason why the current
situation could turn into riots similar to those of May last
year.

I do have a little fear about possible riots during the
upcoming campaign and polls. But it's not as big as last year,
because people are not as angry ... (Last year) students were
shot dead, the prices of basic needs went up, and the rupiah was
heavily depreciated.

So there's no reason to worry about the coming days. It will
be our first experience of a democratic and fair general
election.

Look at several street campaigns already carried out by
supporters... There has been no disturbance.

Lawyer Sri Mumpuni of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute: I have
no fears at all. I think and sincerely hope there will be no
riots.

The recent call by city authorities for Jakartans to stay at
home during the campaigning does not educate people. It just
frightens residents (leading them to think) that riots will
happen in the imminent future.

Instead, the government should ask people to carry out their
routine activities as usual and order security officers to
continuously safeguard the capital. (jun/ida/emf/01)