JP/6/PARASAMYA/ set 14 pica

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)