'Megawati nominating Sutiyoso a mistake'

'Megawati nominating Sutiyoso a mistake'

The decision of Chairwomen of the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri to nominate
incumbent Governor Sutiyoso as a gubernatorial candidate may
affect the party's performance. Some of her party supporters have
expressed their disappointment as have the common people.

Lianto Sianipar, 28, a trader at the International Trade
Center Mangga Dua, North Jakarta.

I don't agree that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan) nominates Sutiyoso. What has he done during his
governorship? There are still many poor people, traffic jams are
still there, and security remains a big problem.

I think it is a mistake for Megawati to support him to lead
Jakarta again. It is not in line with the people's aspirations,
particularly the supporters of her party.

Everyone knows that he was the Jakarta military commander when
the PDI headquarters was attacked on July 27, 1996, It is really
strange. I voted for PDI Perjuangan in the last election, I do
not know whether I will still vote for the party in the next
election.

Ali Gutom, 30 is an activist with a non-governmental
organization living in Jaga Karsa, South Jakarta.

If PDI Perjuangan nominates Sutiyoso, it is really a betrayal
of the people's aspirations. I voted for PDI Perjuangan,
therefore I am really disappointed that the party, particularly
Megawati, does not listen to the people's aspirations.

Why Sutiyoso? There are still many other people who are better
than him. He has failed to effectively lead the capital. Many
problems are unsolved, poverty, security, drugs.

PDI Perjuangan leaders should be aware that the people are now
watching what they are doing. If they fail to respond to the
people's aspirations, it will affect the party's performance in
the 2004 General Elections.

Therefore, before it is too late, PDI Perjuangan should
consider the voice of the grassroots.

R. Akbar, an employee of a private company employee who lives
in East Jakarta.

It's funny to read reports about Megawati's support for
Sutiyoso mainly due to his military background. For me, it seems
that Megawati has decided to support Sutiyoso to maintain
security during the General Session because she does not have
confidence in the police.

Is she naive or what?

We all know that the country has no super cops, but the police
we have are not that bad. Besides, what's the use of Sutiyoso,
who has failed to maintain public order in the city? He couldn't
even manage to control street vendors.

Wawan Kurniawan, is a senior high school teacher at Global
Jaya in Bintaro, Tangerang.

Knowing that Megawati nominated Sutiyoso, I feel very
disappointed.

It is an unexpected setback in the nation's struggle for
democracy.

Maybe Mega has hidden motives for both her family businesses
and politics. Perhaps she supports Sutiyoso despite his poor
track record, as she expects his help in return.

In return Mega expects that he will safeguard the upcoming
elections. Like it or not Sutiyoso still has the authority and
power to mobilize people in the capital.--JP