'Legislators only make themselves rich'

'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