Jakartans told to foster a sense of belonging

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has urged Jakartans to promote consideration for others and a sense of belonging in fending off the blows dealt by the economic downturn and recent unrest.

"I'd like to invite all Jakartans to maintain a sense of solidarity and to avoid apprehension so that together we could create a more comfortable and peaceful life," he said in his address yesterday to the City Council's extraordinary plenary session to commemorate Jakarta's 471st anniversary.

He cautioned all residents to keep their emotions in check and not be easily agitated because the latter would only exacerbate problems.

Sutiyoso was referring to widespread riots in the capital last month when rampaging mobs destroyed, burned and looted offices, houses, stores, markets and other public facilities.

"Let's return to the moral ethics of our religions. I hope that such an occurrence (the riots) will never happen again in Jakarta."

He said the impact of the riots further battered the economy, reeling from the sharp devaluation of the rupiah since July last year.

Former governor Ali Sadikin, who was among the honorary guests at yesterday's session, said the capital was in a difficult predicament, especially with a limited budget for the year.

"Jakarta's fate is now unclear. What can you expect from a Rp 1.3 trillion budget? Nothing. It's useless."

Ali, who governed the city between 1966 and 1977, called on Jakartans to be patient in facing the crisis and not burden the administration with their demands.

"Please understand that it (the crisis) does not happen in Jakarta alone but nationwide. Don't be too demanding. This is reality... what more can you expect."

Ali said Sutiyoso should not be blamed for the crisis.

The culprit, he said, was the New Order government, which had failed during its 32-year rule.

Ali said he would legalize gambling practices if he were governor today.

"Open (legalize) gambling rather than let it grow wildly without trying to take advantage of it. Let's be honest now."

He argued the same opinion was voiced by religious organizations last year.

People should repent, he added.

"Let us repent. The people have suffered enough, don't make it worse."

The administration should also try harder to improve itself.

"The administration should, most of all, recondition the mentality and discipline of its personnel. The most difficult thing to do here is to improve the morality of the officials because our nation's mentality has been devastated by the New Order."

Sutiyoso admitted that his administration needed all the strength it could muster to improve its performance.

Priorities were set to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure and revitalize the economic activities.

He urged all his personnel to understand the spirit of reform movement and improve their image and authority.

"Every official should no longer practice collusion, corruption and nepotism.

"The people's interest should be more firmly upheld. City officials must be able to provide a better, faster, orderly, accurate and more transparent service." (cst)