'New governor should side with poor people'

With the gubernatorial election drawing near, local residents speak of their hopes for an ideal figure for the next governor. They want someone better than the incumbent governor, Sutiyoso, who they consider unqualified. Some share their opinions with The Jakarta Post.

Wiwit, 25, has been a shop assistant for six years and currently works at a leading optical shop. The native Jakartan resides in Slipi, West Jakarta:

In my opinion, an ideal governor would be someone who sides with low-income people.

I wish the new governor would not, for instance, order forcible evictions. Sutiyoso has often evicted the poor but never gives them any options.

An ideal governor would have good leadership qualities. A big salary is useless if the governor is incapable of managing the people.

The new governor should not act foolishly, like Sutiyoso does. He knows who the major drug dealers and the kingpin of gambling are in the city, but he does nothing to stop or arrest them.

Rakiman, 25, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver from Wonogiri, Central Java. He has lived in Tomang, West Jakarta, with his relatives for six years:

The new governor should be capable of managing the metropolis, not Sutiyoso. Sutiyoso does not deserve the post.

I can't imagine what will happen to the city if Sutiyoso is elected for another term. No doubt things will get worse!

Corruption among government officials will become even more widespread because Sutiyoso and his subordinates are masters at it.

Besides, low-income people will continue to live under pressure and in fear of forcible eviction if Sutiyoso continues in the post.

The new governor of Jakarta should come from the low-income bracket, or at least be familiar with the poor so that he can emphasize with them.

In addition, good leadership qualities and strong commitment are vital prerequisites.

Choirudin Lubis, 33, comes from North Sumatra and sells sandals and shoes. He has lived in the city for 14 years. The single vendor lives in West Jakarta:

The next new governor should be much better than his predecessors. Sutiyoso, for instance, the city has seen more setbacks than improvements. He is not worthy of the post.

In my opinion, an ideal governor would be someone who can integrate all Jakarta's people of different ethnic groups and religions. The new governor should side with the poor.

Danil, 23, is a thug operating at the Slipi Jaya intersection in West Jakarta. He is native Jakartan.

The new governor should be Sutiyoso. He is very good and reputable.

Despite my experience of being evicted, I dare to say that a leader like Sutiyoso is badly needed to manage the city.

He is capable of being governor. I was once lucky when I went to an event that he attended. He gave the attendees, including myself, Rp 20,000 each.

So I disagree with the rallies protesting his nomination for the gubernatorial race. I don't know why such a good leader is protested.

As a native Jakartan, I know about his leadership better than migrant residents.

-- Leo Wahyudi S