'Legislators only make themselves rich'

Legislators from around the country have gathered in Jakarta for the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, which began on Aug. 1 and ends on Aug. 10. Though the legislators are here to debate such vital matters as constitutional amendments, many people in the capital are casting a leery eye toward their activities, unable or unwilling to believe that they are looking out for the interests of the people.

Nelson Ginting, 24, works at a garment factory in East Jakarta. He left his hometown of Medan, North Sumatra, four years ago after completing vocational school, and has lived in the capital since:

I don't believe the legislators, even though most people might think they are respectable because of their status as the people's representatives.

But what is this respect for if they don't work for the people's interests during the session? If they only take advantage of their status?

I watched some of the session on TV and I saw legislators reading newspapers, talking with their colleagues and speaking on their cellular phones instead of learning about the subject being presented by the government officials.

How can we expect legislators like this to fight to improve the lives of the poor?

Ariadne T.H., 29, a medical doctor who has lived in Jakarta for 10 years. She resides in Pejaten, South Jakarta, with her husband and two children:

I don't think most people care about what the legislators do inside the House of Representatives building, despite the avalanche of media reports about the Annual Session.

The reason for this is that most people, including myself, believe that the legislators never think about the people, let alone fight for their interests during these meetings.

They only think about the interests of their parties or their own interests. There is no difference between them and corrupt government officials.

If this situation continues, I wonder what will be the future of the country?

Zoelva Eka, 22, a university student and part-time graphic designer. Born in Jakarta, she lives with her family in Sunter, North Jakarta:

I expect nothing from the legislators because they don't do anything but try and make themselves rich.

I read an article in your newspaper several weeks ago about the failure of the House to pass bills in a timely fashion. Then they asked for more money from the government to speed up the process. How irresponsible! Making bills is their main job, isn't it?

Now they are enjoying first-class facilities and a large sum of pocket money -- no one doubts that -- during the Annual Session. But don't expect anything from the session, otherwise you'll be disappointed!

Trimurti, 37, a shop assistant in Blok M, South Jakarta. She lives in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, with her family:

I don't know anything about the Annual Session, let alone the legislators. I don't care about things like that. I'd rather watch Betty La Fea (a Latin soap opera) or a sinetron than the Annual Session.

Why should I care about them? Do they care about poor people like me? Legislators could hold lots of different kinds of sessions each year, but there would be no difference in my life. I am still a shop assistant who makes very little money. I still have to ride on crowded public buses every day and I still have to struggle to send my children to school.

--Muninggar Sri Saraswati