JP/6/PARASAMYA/ set 14 pica

Jakartans show a good sense of togetherness: Nataatmadja

JAKARTA (JP): Although Jakarta is often labeled a city of individuals, its residents, in fact, show a good sense of togetherness and actively participate in developing the city.

"Jakartans are often thought of as islands. Direct field observations, however, show that they are not like that," Soedradjat Nataatmadja, the inspector general of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said over the weekend.

Soedradjat, who heads the selection team for the winner of Parasamya Purnakarya Nugraha award, given every five years to the best province, made the remark yesterday at the City Hall while rendering the team's final evaluation on Jakarta. Jakarta, though a city, is also a province.

To illustrate his argument, Soedradjat praised the "Plant One Million Trees Movement" initiated last year by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja which has succeeded in motivating the city's community to donate 70 percent of the targeted number of trees.

"It is proof that amid the individualistic lifestyle of a metropolis like Jakarta, the community still has a good sense of belonging to the city and the spirit of participating for a common purpose," Soedradjat said.

This "plus" point can increase Jakarta's chance of winning the award, Soedradjat said, adding that from direct field observations, it can be concluded that the city administration is ready to snatch the prize.

In response to Soedradjat's praise, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said that the increasing care of Jakartans towards the city's programs was achieved through his official visits to the city's subdistricts every Friday and Sunday.

However, Soedradjat said that the current services of the city administration to the public still need improvement.

"As servants to the public, city administration officials should not place themselves as rulers," Soedradjat said, "they should put themselves in the place of the public which is in need of their services."

Another plus point, according to Soedradjat, is the city's population management.

Managing a diversified, multi-ethnic population is not an easy task, but according to the team's evaluation, Jakarta is doing a good job, he said.

Soedradjat also praised the City Council which, according to him, responds to the demands of the public.

While saying that Jakarta has a good chance of winning the award, Soedradjat said, the other nine competitors' are equal likely winners.

Soedradjat acknowledged that the present evaluation system seems to limit the chances of younger, less developed provinces -- such as Irian Jaya and East Timor -- while on the other hand, provinces which have won the award -- such as West, Central and East Java -- are still allowed to take part in the competition.

Hence, his team will make a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs to improve the 14 selection system which has been adopted for 14 years, Soedradjat said. (06)