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)