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)