People have their say on Susilo

People have their say on Susilo

For the first time in history, Indonesia will have its first
president who was directly elected by the people. Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla, or more popularly known as SBY and JK,
will take oath on Wednesday, Oct. 20, as the country's new
president and vice president. Hopes are high that the pair can
make a difference and bring about a better future. The Jakarta
Post talked to city residents about their hopes for the new
president.

Sutiyoso, Jakarta Governor:

I hope the new government can understand all the problems
relating to the implementation of the Autonomy Law, which is
meant to give more leeway to provincial heads to build their own
regions. It is the provincial heads who know best how to handle
their regions.

Unfortunately, what has happened in the previous government
through its ministries is that many new government regulations
have been issued that are against the spirit of regional
autonomy. This should not happen under the new government.

Arief Rachman, is an education expert and also the executive
chairman of the Indonesian National Commission for the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO):

There are four things that the next government must focus in
terms of education. Firstly, it must have the integrity and be
consistent in its goal to improve the country's education. So
far, the government only focuses on intelligence. It must also
focus more on a child's personality.

Secondly, the next government should improve the welfare and
standing of teachers since they are at the grassroots of the
education system.

Then, the government should provide education for all in terms
of rights and opportunities. Currently, the trend shows that rich
children get excellent facilities, while poor children get simple
facilities or none at all.

Last but not least, the next government should introduce a
nationalist syllabus so children become proud of being
Indonesians.

Looking at some of SBY's candidates for the education posts, I
suppose these issues could be resolved. But please keep in mind
that the leaders cannot do it alone. They need to be supported by
a firm rule of law. Otherwise they can do nothing.

Thomas Darmawan, the executive director of the Indonesian Food
and Beverages Association (GAPMMI):

So far, I support SBY's choices, particularly in selecting
economic ministers for his Cabinet. Despite the controversies
behind the names of some candidates, I believe we must focus on
their future work. After all, the ministers will be closely
monitored by numerous institutions, including the President and
Vice President themselves.

In terms of policy making, I am not worried. SBY now has a PhD
in agriculture economy and Kalla is a businessman, they know what
to expect from their ministers.

Furthermore, an immediate task for the new government is how
to further lower the interest rates, thus making a more conducive
climate for small businesses.

It is also important that the government cut illegal fees and
reduce all the local regulatory fees, which have caused a high-
cost economy.

I hope the new government will not lose valuable time due to
difficulties in cooperating with the legislators.

Hendardi, founder of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights
Association (PBHI):

There is nothing special about SBY's record as a minister in
the previous two administrations of outgoing President Megawati
Soekarnoputri and former president Abdurrahman Wahid. Therefore
we cannot expect him to deliver significant changes in a short
period, in this case, bringing to justice past human rights
violators and big-time corruptors.

However, Susilo's unprecedented victory in the elections with
a clear mandate from the people will serve as an impetus for him
to bring lawbreakers to justice.

Therefore, a clean Attorney General will play an indispensable
role. SBY might have the initiatives but their implementation
will be in the hands of the Attorney General.

Seto Mulyadi, is a child psychologist and the chairman of the
National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas PA):

What the next government should do is very simple. In line
with the children's rights, it should provide free education for
children, especially for those from poor families.

The next government must also focus on implementing the
current curriculum based on competency as it is very suitable for
children. The curriculum helps children learn and grow their
interests in line with their talents.

Will the next government be successful in implementing these
changes? It depends whether it has a big enough heart to listen
to experts' and especially children's voices.

Ratna Sarumpaet, the Jakarta Arts Council chairwoman:

I hope people will not add to the burdens on Susilo and Kalla
for they have a myriad of problems to address. People's
expectations are just an additional burden for them.

We still need to have hope and expectations though, because
what is the point of living if we lose hope in life?

What is important for me is that people realize that they are
part of the solution and they must be active too, unlike in past
governments where we just sat still and let the government take
us wherever it wanted.

But now Susilo's task is to fix the old systems so he can run
things better and enable people to participate in his
administration.

If he puts top people or experts in their field to work within
the old, corrupt system, we can expect the old style of
governance.

If SBY really wants to deconstruct the system, I believe there
will be layoffs in one or two ministries, as was done under
former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, but if that is for
the best, why not?

I guess the military-civilian split is irrelevant now since
Susilo must take the nation's helm as a statesman. But the
toughest job awaits him, as he finds out what is rotten and what
should be preserved within the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Kartono Mohamad, a general medical doctor:

The government has been looking at health issues from the
curative, instead of a preventive, point of view. Health has been
regarded as a cost rather than an investment.

Thus, what the next government must do is to focus more on
preventive programs; raising the people's awareness in the
benefits of living healthy lives. Preventive programs require
less cost and yet can reach a bigger audience.

The government must hold a national campaign on healthy living
to provide the public with information.

I don't know whether the next government will institute these
programs, as it only says that it will make health services
available for the poor. This means it is still focusing on
curative measures. I haven't seen any health policies that focus
on preventive programs.

Saldi Isra is a lecturer at the Andalas University in Padang,
West Sumatra. He received the 2004 Bung Hatta Anticorruption
award:

Susilo has talked about corruption eradication during his
campaign and it won him the people's support. But, what matters
is that he can put his words into action.

His commitment to eradicate corruption will first be tested on
who he appoints as the Attorney General and the National Police
chief. They must not only be capable and clean but also have the
utmost courage to bring corrupt officials to justice.

Another drawback for Susilo is that he comes from the
Indonesian Military, which is considered one of the most corrupt
state institutions. Will he be able to deal with the
psychological constraints he may have in unraveling corruption in
that institution?

Binsar Gultom, a judge at the Central Jakarta District Court's
human rights tribunal and at the Medan District Court in North
Sumatra:

As a judge, I think it is most important for SBY to uphold law
supremacy. He must push the police and the prosecutors to always
improve their efforts in upholding the country's laws and
coordinate them with efforts of court judges.

I hope SBY will also give proper credit to judges who, through
their verdicts, have shown their merit in reforming the country's
laws for the better.

Judges who handle important or high profile cases must be
given adequate support and protection -- as there are dangerous
aspects in certain 'sensitive cases' -- so that they can carry
out their duty of serving the public by meting out justice.

I also hope SBY will pay more attention to improving the
judges' salary and benefits. It is important so the judges do not
easily get tempted to take part in courthouse collusion. If we
get higher salaries and judges are still involved in backroom
deals, then SBY must insist that the Supreme Court take stern
actions against them.

I think SBY is able to deliver the expectations, considering
how serious he is in trying to keep his word. Take the example of
how SBY has personally screened and selected his ministers, which
shows that he wants his government to be as professional as
possible.

Bajoe Narbito, President of state cellular telecommunications
company PT Telkomsel:

I hope the new government will pay more attention to the
telecommunication industry as it is an important factor to help
the economy grow. The government must at least increase the
penetration rate of telephone access, both fixed-lines and
cellular, to an average level of 25 percent to 30 percent in the
next few years so it is able to compete with surrounding
countries.

To do that, the new government must ease off regulations for
phone operators to open competition and reduce production costs
to allow us to cater to more people as the price becomes more
affordable for end-users.

Access to information is really essential because it is one of
the factors that helps improve our quality of human resources.

Overall, the first issue the government must address is how to
reduce the unemployment rate to make the country more stable. It
can be done by opening and encouraging investment, which I'm sure
will arrive sooner if the security conditions are guaranteed.

Putty Armein, a national bowler who won the Asian Bowling
Federation (ABF) tour early this month in Jakarta:

I believe Pak SBY will be able to improve sports development
in the country. I have heard he will revive the State Minister of
Sports Office. If his plan materializes, he is on the right track
to develop sport.

I also hope Pak SBY will initiate a scheme that provides life
assurance for retiring athletes who have already proven their
dedication in national sports.

The assurance, be it permanent jobs or financial insurance, is
necessary for athletes facing retirement. This form of
appreciation should be addressed by the government.

Gufron, a public minivan driver on the Tanah Abang-Kebayoran
Lama route:

Frankly, I voted for SBY in the Sept. 20 presidential election
because I believe that Indonesia, with its diversity, needs a
military figure as a leader. We need a tough president so that he
can handle security problems, which has been a threat in recent
years.

I am a victim of the economic crisis that hit the country in
mid-1997. I lost my job as an employee at a construction firm in
2000 after it laid off nearly half of its employees. Since then I
have been working as a driver.

I see that SBY is a tough figure. He also has a good
education. Therefore, I believe he will be able to handle
security problems that have improved since the turmoil of when
former President Soeharto stepped down (in May 1998).

Madhur Shorey, an expatriate from India who works in the
advertising and communications sector. He has been living in
Jakarta for the past seven years:

There are three major problems that SBY has to counter. First
is security. He must punish the bombers instead of letting them
have coffee and tea with the police.

Second is bringing economic stability and third is making sure
that foreign investment comes in. Unless Indonesia is safe and
secure, no money will come in.

Of course, he will have to deal with KKN (the Indonesian
acronym for corruption, collusion and nepotism).

So far, what he's been saying is all the right things and he's
going in the right direction. He is pretty intelligent, he was
educated in the United States and he projects overall confidence.

It's good that he will also bring experienced professionals,
including several economists, into his Cabinet. He seems pretty
okay, but we'll see his actions in the future.

Handaka Santosa, chairman of the Association of Indonesian
Retailers (Aprindo):

Overall, we expect to see more economic progress. The new
government can adopt good practices that neighboring countries
have successfully implemented such as a tax refund for foreign
shoppers.

It is a simple action but it would have a great multiplier
affect as it will encourage tourists to shop more. Currently,
retail sales in neighboring countries are higher than us. Such a
measure will result in higher consumption and eventually boost
the economy.

However, we also expect the new government to simplify the
process of acquiring (business) licenses and review regulations
made by regional administrations.

SBY seems to have the capability to do his job. Just look at
how he is establishing his Cabinet. Instead of accepting
recommendations from people surrounding him, he has opted to
interview the candidates one by one.

He surely wants to avoid future conflicts due to principal
differences between him and his ministers.

We hope he can maintain healthy communication with his aides
and also with others, including the business community.

Sunarsih, a fruit vendor at Palmerah Market in Central
Jakarta:

I hope the prices of staple food will decline, or at least be
stable, after Pak SBY becomes our new president. I believe it is
the hope of all low-income people, who have been greatly affected
by the economic crisis.

I am optimistic that SBY will be able to meet the demands of
common people. As an indication, when he was announced as the
election winner, there was no price hike. The price of basic
needs and imported fruit remained stable at that time.

The situation was different when Ibu Megawati (Soekarnoputri)
was elected as the president. I voted for Megawati on Sept. 20.
But I am happy that the prices are now stable.

Nugroho Nurdikiawan, an employee of a Jakarta-based non-
governmental organization that is concerned with the environment:

I think SBY must start with law enforcement. If he can
accomplish this, we can feel positive impacts everywhere. The
move is significant to overall elements in the country. And I
think he should focus on this.

Maybe my hopes are too high, but there will be progress once
he is the president. Why? Because he has been professional in all
that he does, even before actually being installed as the
president. He already has held discussions and dialogs with
minister candidates.

Yvonne, is an expatriate in her 40s and has lived in the
capital for several years with her three Indonesian children:

I hope SBY will deal with corruption, that's the main thing. I
also hope it's a good transition of power.

On the city level, we need to do something about traffic
congestion -- it's a nightmare. Also, dealing with poverty, such
as finding proper homes for the poor and creating jobs for them.
That's another big task.

I think if he picks the right people, who can do the job
properly and who are not corrupt, then he can get things done!

As a longtime foreign resident with Indonesian children, I
hope he will change the regulations preventing foreigners from
owning property and get rid of that bizarre fiskal (departure
tax).

Mustofa, Kim Eng Securities president director:

The new government under SBY is expected to support the
development of the capital market industry by providing
incentives and raising market confidence.

The government must ensure investors that Indonesia is a good
place for investment by providing breakthrough policies.

It must also improve the overall economy in order to encourage
more companies to list their shares on the Jakarta Stock
Exchange.

Benny Tjoeng, vice president director of publicly listed
plantation firm PT Astra Agro Lestari:

SBY must keep his promises made during the election campaign
that he will improve legal certainty for the business community
and improve coordination between regional administrations and the
central government.

Legal assurances, law enforcement and good coordination
between the central government and regional administrations will
help us to smoothly run the businesses and create more jobs.

The new government must also improve the labor regulations and
eradicate the high-cost economy resulting from unclear policies.

Tengku Burhanuddin, the secretary-general of the Indonesian
National Air Carriers Association (INACA):

One of the most important issues for the airline industry now
is that the government must ensure the availability and capacity
of our airports to facilitate a possible high increase in the
number of people going abroad following the termination of the
departure tax next year.

The government must also issue a regulation that obliges
airline companies to serve both crowded and sparse routes. It
needs to be emphasized that the industry does not only look for
profits, but also provides equal services to all Indonesians.
Hopefully, it will open access to more citizens who wish to
travel outside their hometowns even in secluded areas.

The new government must also look into the current regulations
on the industry and make sure that they are supportive and help
airline companies work more efficiently.

Djimanto, the secretary-general of the Indonesian Employers'
Association (APINDO):

It has been shown that most people in the country have been
able to live up to expectations by the peaceful elections. So it
is now time for the political elite to show that they too can
live up to the expectations of improving the economy, as they
promised during the campaign.

As we have often said, what the business community needs is a
leader who can guarantee stability and certainty -- especially in
terms of commitment and regulations.

Synergy among relevant ministries and other state institutions
is also lacking, with rulings from one side often contradicting
another, this has to be immediately improved. Also, whenever the
government sets some targets, there have to be clear parameters
to gauge both the progress and results.

Judging from his appearance, I think SBY can deliver that.

Ridwan Mansyur, a judge at the Central Jakarta District Court
and human rights tribunal:

I am looking forward to the new government under SBY, hope he
can create a new atmosphere in our justice system. It must
consistently give examples of respecting the courts' independence
and place them back to their proper function of serving the
public by doing justice.

The courts should be a place where the public can seek justice
and not just a place where the law is used to justify only one
side. Sadly, from my 20 years of experience as a judge, I must
admit that I have never seen a government that can do that.

The new government must also put education as its top
priority, since it will affect how people act and think. If
people are not educated to understand and respect the law for
their own good, then we can never expect rule of law to take hold
here.

I think SBY can deliver on all these expectations because he
has always showed his concern for the supremacy of the law during
his terms as a minister or a military official.

He has a strong military background, but has always supported
the belief that even military personnel, who have violated the
law should be prosecuted and tried accordingly, such as in the
East Timor and Tanjung Priok human rights tribunals.

Longgena Ginting, the chairman of the Indonesia Forum on the
Environment (Walhi):

We do hope the new government acts to alleviate the country's
increasing environmental problems, which are much worse than many
people think. Those in the government, who mostly live in
Jakarta, often mistakenly consider environmental problems only as
air pollution, floods or waste.

We are facing a far bigger problem of decreasing natural
habitats, which provide essential resources for millions of
Indonesians. We have deployed an economic paradigm that exploits
natural resources without any regard to sustainability. This
environmental destruction is basically a result of the economic
system.

The new president must realize it is not the state minister of
the environment who must address environmental problems. Susilo
must formulate environmentally friendly policies, not only pay
lip service. The biggest challenge for him is to apply a
sustainable development policy.

Judging from the background of the candidates for economic
minister, I am pessimistic SBY will meet those expectations. All
of them are known as promoters of economic growth, but will they
factor in the environmental costs?

Although the president may appoint the best possible candidate
as state minister of the environment, I don't think they will be
able to address the country's environmental problems as the
excesses of current economic policies do not favor
sustainability.

Payaman, a state prosecutor:

The future of the war against terrorism in Indonesia will be
in the hands of the new National Police chief and the Attorney
General. I hope they will be persons committed to law enforcement
in the country. The country's laws must be enforced to make
people well-ordered. There should be no discrimination or
involvement of "invisible hands".

At the moment, I feel there is "high-level" involvement in the
law enforcement process here, but I cannot talk about it.

I still doubt whether SBY will be able to cope with terrorist
activities easily. These are not domestic crimes but
international ones that involve many networks in different
countries. It might take Susilo a while before he can begin the
fight against terror.

Bivitri Susanti, director of the Center for Indonesian Law and
Policy Studies (PSHK):

I hope SBY will submit all important unresolved legislation to
the House of Representatives for deliberation. Among the crucial
bills are those on the state ministry, the presidential advisory
board and on the public's right to information.

If SBY forms a "rainbow (political coalition) Cabinet", I am
afraid his government will not be able to work quickly. Such a
Cabinet would consist of politicians who are likely to put their
interests ahead of the public's on certain issues. These backroom
"negotiations" would delay SBY from making quick decisions.

Djoko Edhi Soetjipto, a legislator from the National Mandate
Party (PAN) faction:

I hope SBY will empower fiscal watchdogs to prevent further
graft and waste of state funds. Should he encourage good fiscal
management policies, it will be easier for the nation to make an
economic recovery.

The changes include the improvement of Bank Indonesia, the
banking sector and the Ministry of Finance.

I think this change will be difficult because these offices
are already controlled by the financial "mafia".

The level of his success will all depend on the members of his
Cabinet.

Dede Oetomo, a lecturer and chairman of gay human rights group
GAYa Nusantara:

I hope the new government will be able to implement the
substance of Article 28I of the amended Constitution, which says
everyone has the right of protection and freedom from
discriminatory treatment.

The recognition of homosexuals is indicated in the
Constitution. There should be no discrimination based on sexual
orientation.

The government could follow the example of the Constitution by
passing an anti-discrimination bill.

Members of SBY's campaign team earlier made negative comments
about marginal groups, including gays.

But we are still positive about the new government since
Kalla, who is the national chairman of the AIDS Eradication
Campaign, has a more positive view.

Indonesia will soon become a member of the United Nations
Human Rights Commission. International pressure would make the
country more accommodating to our group.

Djohar Arifin Husein, the National Sports Council (KONI)
secretary-general:

I hope the planned establishment of the State Minister of
Sports Office will lead to the immediate endorsement of the
Sports Bill. The bill, which aims to facilitate the development
of national sports, is still waiting for the government's
approval so the House can finalize it.

Hopefully, the presence of the state minister's office would
expedite this process.

Right now it's difficult to set up sports development programs
since everything, including the paperwork, takes a long time
before it is followed up.

Most of our development programs have been instituted in a
sporadic fashion without any guidance at all.

There is no need to fear the overlapping roles of KONI and the
state minister's office. They would support each other well.

Rina, a PR company worker:

SBY must curb corruption, listen to the people and introduce a
program for street children by providing education for them.

With an education, they won't be led into bad things and bad
choices. You just have to look around you and you can see that
even the small ones are already into bad stuff.

Actually, SBY wasn't my choice. But as for whether he can
deliver or not, he has to be able to, simply because he is our
hope today.

Leonardus Teddy Lukmansyah, is a vendor selling peanut
porridge in Pancoran Glodok, Central Jakarta:

I have run this business since 1971 which I inherited from my
father, who started the business in 1943. This business has the
potential to be big, because we are the only one in the city and
we have loyal customers whose numbers keep on increasing.

For the time being, it remains a dream because the existing
bank loan scheme for small and medium enterprises is only a hoax.
The banks will give you Rp 5 million (US$549.45) or below, but
nothing more. They will ask for collateral if you ask for a
bigger loan. So I have to apply for a housing loan to get the
funds to expand the business.

I will write to Susilo about this, asking him to see through
what is really going on regarding the scheme which is supposedly
collateral-free.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Anton Wahono, the Jakarta Police anticorruption
unit chief:

There is always the hope that the new government will renew
the spirit to fight corruption.

If the government motivates the drive, I hope the public will
be more inspired to report any corruption allegations and give
police investigators more evidence.

As far as the police are concerned, whoever becomes president
does not really matter as we, the prosecutor's office and the
anticorruption commission are the ones who are fighting
corruption.

Suparman, a history and anthropology teacher at SMAN 17 state
high school in Glodok, West Jakarta:

As a teacher, I hope that -- as has been demanded by so many
teachers including myself -- the president can improve the
teachers' salary and benefits. What I mean is a real improvement,
not just empty promises.

The president must continue to develop democratic systems in
education and give teachers sufficient authority to do their
tasks.

As a citizen, I think the most important thing is for the
president to guard democracy. Do not shackle the freedom to
express one's opinion or the freedom to organize oneself in the
name of guarding national stability.

The government should create security - against common crimes
and political crimes. It should also provide more jobs.

I cannot say confidently that the new government will be able
to fulfill my hopes. We cannot expect too much.

The elected president, whom so many people pin their hopes on,
has uttered quite a lot of promises. Promises of change for the
better.

On one hand, we hope that there will be a lot of changes, but
on the other hand, there are big doubts. The president should
strive to minimize these doubts and show us the changes he has
promised.

Marius Widjajarta, a general practitioner who is also the
chairman of the Indonesian Health Consumer Empowerment Foundation
(YPKKI):

As a health specialist, there are a couple of steps that I
think the next government must take in order to improve the
country's medical services.

The first step is to create a professional medical standard
for doctors as the country does not have one.

Secondly, the next government must immediately draw up
regulations to enforce Law No. 23/1992 on health. According to
the law, there should be 29 government regulations over a series
of areas. Currently, there are only four. Government regulations
on important issues such as medical and hospital services have
not yet been completed.

Can the next government take these steps? It depends on who is
the next minister of health and how strong their commitment is. I
do sincerely hope the next government will rectify this
situation.