Jakartans' expectations and hopes for their new governor

Jakartans' expectations and hopes for their new governor

JAKARTA (JP): As predicted, City Military Commander Maj.
Gen. Sutiyoso easily defeated the other two nominees in
yesterday's selection to become Jakarta's next governor.

He received 62 votes (or 82.67 percent) from the 75 ballots
submitted by City Council members in a plenary meeting.

If everything goes well, outgoing Governor Surjadi Soedirdja
will hand over his duty to the eighth governor, Sutiyoso, next
month.

Before Sutiyoso's victory, The Jakarta Post reporters asked a
number of people about their views and hopes for the city's next
governor, whose term will end in the next millennium.

Here are some excerpts from the interviews:

Rusdi, one of more than 1,000 fire victims from Pademangan
Barat, North Jakarta, said: "I want a governor who cares and is
not ruthless with the ordinary people.

I hate when the city administration makes decisions based on
who is powerful and who is not.

If there is a new governor, I hope he will protect the
residents from unjust action.

For me, I want the new governor to save us and give us our
homes back. That's all."

Outgoing Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said: "The next Jakarta
governor should give attention to the continuation of several
mega projects which have become the obsession of many Jakartans.

Among the projects are the 2,700 reclamation works along North
Jakarta Bay, the proposed construction of the Blok M-Kota subway,
the refurbishment of Monas Park and Jl. MH Thamrin -- one of the
city's main streets -- and the development of more mini
supermarkets around the city.

The selected governor should also possess these general
attributes: consistency in implementing policies; be strict when
dishing out punishment and be aware of the consequences of his
actions.

In the 21st century, Jakarta will face bigger problems,
relating to population, housing, the workforce, transportation,
sanitation and the environment."

Clementino Dos Reis Amaral, a member of the National
Commission on Human Rights, said: "I hope that the new governor
can order mayors and other district heads in the city to study
Presidential Decree No. 55/1993 on land appropriation, which
stipulates that every land appropriation should be done without
any coercion and land owners must be invited to take part in
discussions about a plan.

We've learned that mayors and district heads here have no idea
about the presidential decree. They often violate the decree.

It seems the government officials only work for private
developers who want to take over land.

About 90 percent of Jakartans visiting the commission office
are complaining about the unfair treatment they received from the
city in regard to land appropriation and eviction.

We hope the new governor won't be too bored when it comes to
reading the huge number of letters complaining about the issue
later."

Councilor Rusjdi Hamka, of the United Development Party (PPP),
said: "I wish Sutiyoso success in carrying out his duties. I
believe he can do the job well due to his background.

I think that Jakarta still needs a governor with a military
background because this city has complex problems. And the
situation in Indonesia is more or less the same: the military
still plays a strong role in society.

But don't worry. There will be a time when civilians can have
their turn at being a governor."

Masri, a senior trader at Petojo market in Central Jakarta,
said: "I hope the new governor can give greater attention to poor
people, who have been pushed around by businessmen who act in
collusion with city officials.

That's why many people see Jakarta as a place that favors only
the rich and those businessmen."

Second Sergeant Liliek Lestari, a city policewoman, said: "As
a resident, I do hope that the next governor can stop one of the
city's chronic problems: the routine repairs of several
facilities and installations on the streets.

Everybody always asks why so many streets need to be repaired
from year to year. There must be a more effective way to make the
repairs. Then the city could use the money to help poor
Jakartans.

I also hope the governor can reduce the number of street
beggars in the city which, in turn, could improve its image as a
capital city."

Student Djamilah, of University of Indonesia, said: "The new
governor must have a strong standpoint and the courage to obey
the rules. For instance, he should not be easily tempted into
giving approval to certain parties just because they are
powerful.

He has to side with the little people. And, of course, manage
to cut the complicated bureaucracy and administrative procedures
that burden the public.

I hope with a new governor, residents will get sufficient
public facilities and, especially for me, I want a more
comfortable train.

I do not mind if the governor comes from the military or is a
civilian as long as he has good qualities."

Sociologist Paulus Wirutomo, of University of Indonesia, said:
"The most important thing for the new governor is that he
continues the strategic plans that have been implemented by his
predecessor.

He must not make any surprise moves that have not yet been
proved. If he did, I'm afraid the city would have a back-and-
forth style of development.

The strategic plan has been well prepared by the
administration and experts following long studies, analysis and
research.

So please, don't throw the strategic plan away. It's been a
hard and complicated process."

Political researcher Mahrus Irsyam said: "The new governor
should have a military background and understand Jakarta's
strategic position as the country's capital.

He or she should be able to keep political conditions stable.
It's almost impossible to appoint civilians as governor because
it will be difficult for him to quickly handle disorders.

A military-trained governor could handle disorders immediately
due to his links with the military. He could also approach the
public without being directly connected to the military.

If appointed, Sutiyoso should find the best and most flexible
approach to deal with Jakartans.

Jakartans are unique, if we let them exist too freely they'll
become uncontrollable. If we press them too hard it will cause
disorder. So, he should find the right 'recipe' for Jakartans."
(ste/jun/07/cst/bsr)