People revel in campaign fever
JAKARTA (JP): It is another day and another traffic jam in Jakarta. But today the traffic snarls are longer and there is something decidedly different about those crowding the road. They yell, honk their horns loudly and even alight their vehicles to dance with abandon on the street.
That is the story of the city's streets during the campaign period. Street rallies wind through the city and disrupt traffic everyday even though they are officially banned by the government.
This should all come to an end when the one-month election campaign period finishes on Friday. There will be a week-long cooling period before voting on May 29.
The three political parties, the United Development Party (PPP), Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), are competing to win people's hearts and votes.
What does the public really think about the political hullabaloo around them? The Jakarta Post talked to people from all walks of life.
Jusrizal, a sticker vendor on Jl. Wijaya, South Jakarta: This campaign is a blessing for my business. Supporters from the three parties buy stickers from me and my friends. The supporters ordered me to make their symbols, such as stars and bulls. They also asked me to put stickers bearing their colors on their motorcycles.
Usually, I earn an average of between Rp 10,000 (US$4.16) and Rp 15,000 ($6.25) a day. But in the campaign period I make between Rp 50,000 ($20.83) to Rp 75,000 ($31.25) a day. Personally I hope the campaign period will be longer and the election held more than once every five years.
Mutia, a campaign paraphernalia vendor on Jl. Kramat, Central Jakarta: I am usually a food vendor. But during the campaign, I sell campaign attributes, such as T-shirts, hats and scarfs. I could sell a dozen to three dozen T-shirts a day. I'm happy with the campaign as long as the police or the public order officials still allow me to sell on the street.
Joni, a teenager: I love the campaign period. We can parade around the streets and do whatever we want. There is no problem with three people riding one motorcycles without wearing helmets, yelling or dancing in front of the police. We did not get arrested. I love the freedom. It's a once-in-a-five-year occasion, we have to make the best of it. I don't care about the campaigners and their speeches.
Sukadi, a senior high school student in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta and supporter of Megawati Soekarnoputri: I attended a rally to enjoy the dangdut music and to dance.
To hell with the campaigners. They just deliver meaningless drivel.
Wiwiek Kamarono, a 20-year-old student at the University of 17 Agustus 1945, in Cirebon, West Java: I attended an indoor Golkar rally because I was invited by the committee.
I was surprised, however, at the format of Golkar's rally this campaign because it was so different from any previous rallies here. It was very lively and I could easily understand what State Minister of Environment Sarwono and the other campaigners were saying.
It was a more effective way to attract young people's sympathy than the yellowization strategy in Central Java. All my schoolmates were also invited and they don't regret coming.
Intan K., a medical school student, Indonesian Christian University, Jakarta: The campaign is bad and the rallies cause traffic jams. It takes me much time to travel and I often arrive late at class. What's more, those taking part in the campaign often make trouble, they bang on your car or force you to show the party's number with your fingers. Golkar, PPP...Isn't that scary enough? I'd better avoid them.
Do I follow the campaign? No, I'm not interested. I don't think they'll say anything interesting.
The campaign has no effect on me because I already know who I will choose.
Atiek C.B., a pop singer: I participate in the Golkar rallies by entertaining the audience. Five years ago, I also took part in the rallies. Why? Well, I only do what I think is right. I believe it's good for me to join the rallies because it makes the atmosphere merrier.
It's good to have entertainment at the rallies. I can sing and I want to entertain people. They brave the burning sun, they come from faraway places, they deserve the entertainment. I often feel touched to see the enthusiasm.
Sometimes I also listen to the speech, but most of the time I have to concentrate on my performance.
J. Kristiadi, political observer from Centre for Strategic and International Studies: Compared to the 1992 campaign, this year's rallies are full of issues. Every party goes with their own topics. But I don't think we need any rallies because we all know which party will win the election. That's why dangdut singers and bands have become the favorite attraction among parties for their rallies -- they keep people's interest and stop them leaving the arena early.
Aliyah, a housewife fitted out in yellow and on her way to the Golkar campaign site in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta: It's lucky the campaigns are held in the afternoon because if they were held in morning hours we wouldn't be able to join (because of housework).
Marni, a seller of gado-gado (boiled vegetables in peanut sauce) in Kebayoran, South Jakarta: That husband of mine, instead of helping me with the business, is off campaigning with Golkar. It's alright if we get money, but he only got a T-shirt and snacks. Do we get money? No way. I mean, I would close up for the day and join the campaigning if I got Rp 25,000 (US$10.4).
Baharuddin Lopa, the secretary general of National Commission on Human Rights: The national campaign is going smoothly, but there are many youths who are victims of their own dramatic campaign methods.
The security officers should approach them persuasively. I know kids, they are in a very emotional stage in their life. I was young once also and I had the same feelings.
The security officers cannot force them to stop when they are parading around the streets because this will be against the youths' emotions.
If the procession creates a traffic jam, the police patrol should direct vehicles to other less jammed roads.
Leaders of the political parties should have more people to coordinate the rallies and their supporters. Do you know why? Because those young people would not obey the security officers.
Col. Ansyar Roem, head of the Jakarta Traffic Police directorate: This is nothing new for me as a public servant. I've been involved in several general elections. Traffic, including in small cities, is always crowded during the rally weeks. So, we have to spend extra time and be patient on the street to properly manage the traffic flow. Lack of rest and sleep is common but as a state serviceman I'm proud to do that.
Jack, a ministry official who chose to use a pseudonym: I have bought a new car from profits in (marked up) T-shirts sales, but I have also fallen sick because of all the work and stress involved in ensuring a Golkar win in the ministry's area.
Yu Kembar, a fruit vendor in Blok M: I have experienced lower sales since the first day of the campaign as customers are fearful of venturing out on the roads.
My daily earnings dropped from Rp 200,000 (US$82) to between Rp 80,000 ($32.86) and Rp 90,000 ($36.97).
I have to throw away three kilograms of each type of rotten fruit daily because business is so quiet. But I still have to support my family of six children.
Suwarti, a saleswoman at a tie counter in Metro department store: There are lower sales, fewer customers, both Indonesians and expatriates, and a quieter atmosphere during the campaign activities.
We sell ties ranging in price from Rp 285,000 (US$117) to Rp 400,000 ($165). We usually generate monthly turnover of Rp 8 million ($3,292) but currently the turnover is only Rp 2.8 million.
Rianto Nurhadi, secretary-general of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association and the top executive of Griya Wisata, private hotel chain management firm: There is a low occupancy rate during the campaign, but it is still tolerable.
This year's campaign is better than the previous ones. It is under control and I think the effect must be good. But we have to be careful because during the last round of campaigning the rallies are bound to be more spirited.
I hear that the contesting parties pay people to join the rallies.
Garuda Sugardo, director of cellular phone operator PT Telkomsel: The campaign affects phone usage. There is a drastic increase in the number of cellular phone calls. People call each other to find out what is happening in other areas. Many people want to buy the phones and subscribe to the service. That is the impact of the campaign on my cellular phone operator.
But it has no impact on my vote.
Tjahjono Soerjodibroto, president of the state-owned PT Indosat: The campaign is lively, especially as we have dialogs in the campaign program.
There is no impact on the international traffic, but five years ago, there were more calls during the campaign, maybe because at that time the U.S. was also holding an election.
Elly Hutabarat, director of PT Pantravel, a travel agent: Of course, the campaign affects my business. We even suggest to foreign tourists who want to come here to delay their visit until the election is over. But I do not say that Indonesia is not safe. Anyway, we are not in the high season.
Djoko Pramono, President Director of Sir Speedy Indonesia, importer of various goods: Compared to the previous campaigns, I think this one is more regulated. My impression is that it is only a fun fair. It is a chance for motorists to speed and ignore the traffic lights, for dancing on the street and, especially for the low-income people, it is the chance to express frustration.
I recommend the rallies be banned. Campaign programs on TV are better, but they should be in the form of public debate so that people really know what's going on. This will also show leadership.
I saw a dialog on TV, but it seems to me that they had prepared the questions beforehand. People in the audience were also from the same party.
I think the campaign can have an effect on the election. I will definitely not vote for the party whose supporters have been violent.
Sri R., a businesswoman in Malang, East Java: I never imagined the 1997 campaign would be like this. Everyone is terrified of the rallies on the streets and the violence from day to day. My car has been damaged by the campaigners. I'm sad to see all these things happening in my country. Where are the smiling people of Indonesia now? I have no idea which party I will choose on May 29.
Yati Octavia, an actress: The campaign scares me. I am afraid to go out. Things happen even though the government has threatened to take action against those who violate the regulations. It seems to me that everybody is afraid to go out.
I have made my choice and I will stick to that. The campaign will not affect me. We have the right to vote and if you don't want to vote, that's your right, too. But, then again, you'd better vote.
Supadi, a security guard at Plaza Senayan shopping center: We have to be more careful when campaign activities look heated and spirited. More shoppers now take a taxi here to avoid damage to their expensive cars. About 40 percent of shoppers use taxis.
Kardi, a parking attendant on Jl. Sabang, Central Jakarta: The campaign only creates trouble for me. I have to work harder. I have to be more careful than usual. The campaigning time is often close to the lunch hours, which is the busiest time here. And those who take part in the rallies are often rude. They like to bang on the vehicles but they don't do this just with their bare hands. They sometimes use sticks and this puts me in a difficult situation.
I don't understand about dialogs in campaigns. I don't follow the campaign, both in the field and on TV because I have to spend my time working.
I already know which party I will vote for. Even without any campaign, I will be loyal to that one. But if somebody gives me a T-shirt or a vest, I will accept it, regardless of which party he or she is from.
Mujiono, a minivan driver plying the Tanah Abang - Kebon Jeruk route in Jakarta: Normally I can do four to five round trips in a day, but with the traffic congestion during the campaign period, I can only make two trips. Some of my passengers were young people who were on their way to the rallies. I gave them a free lift because I don't want to take a risk. They look violent and I'm afraid they might do something bad if I refuse.
Rivai Asrani, a taxi driver in Malang: It has become customary for taxi drivers stay home when a rally is on. We start working late in the afternoon. It is better for us to earn less money than to take the risk of our taxi being damaged, the windows broken or the body tarnished.
Edi M., a taxi driver in Jakarta: I have never joined the rallies. What for? They all make the same promises, which they never keep. When I am home and the TV is broadcasting the campaign program, I turn it off and play a tape or the radio.
Tarum, also a taxi driver: I don't care about the campaign. For me it is useless because if I run into trouble, the legislators that I supported won't even meet me in the House of Representatives building.
But I don't object to the rallies since the campaign is held only once every five years. Everybody needs an avenue to release their wild side.
Tsutomu Sakomoto, NHK bureau chief for Indonesia: I don't think it is my place to comment on the election but, as a foreigner, I think the election must be independent and should be respected. In Japan, all the parties are treated equally. For example, if we from NHK want to cover the campaign, we must broadcast the same duration, size and speech length for each party. I don't think it happens here.
My question is why the three parties agreed to the election rules but later violated them. Sometimes, the rallies disturb people's lives and business. Almost all Japanese people living in Jakarta are afraid to go out of their houses or workplaces during rallies of a particular party. Even my children are afraid to go back from their school when there are rallies on the street.
Ms. X, a senior reporter of RCTI: I was a golput (people who are registered to vote but abstain). Now it all depends on how things develop. I see this campaign as a comedy rather than a brutal event. It is even funnier than a joke of the Srimulat comedy group.
Last weekend I went out of town to monitor local opinion about the campaign. The understanding of the campaign is limited to T- shirts (with the parties' symbols). They think that if there is no T-shirt, there is no rally. The political parties take advantage of this, they exploit children and the ignorant. I see all of this as a form of "entertainment" during my assignment to cover the campaign.
Jajang C. Noer, actress and film director: The election is just like a sinetron (TV drama). Everything is orchestrated.
Incidentally, I pity Pak Harto (President Soeharto). I hear people will renominate him for another presidential term. How could they do that? We should give Pak Harto the opportunity to enjoy his old age, so he can relax, go fishing, play with the grandchildren.
Jujur Pranoto, an author and playwright: I pity people in the rallies. I wonder why they do things like touring the city. It's useless.
I have followed the campaign programs on TV three times. I can feel the restrictions. I don't see the spontaneity, it seems to me they were acting and everything looked to have been orchestrated. I also don't find the issues presented to be interesting.
I am still considering which party to vote for. I believe I will not be blessed by God if I vote and I won't sin if I don't vote. Voting is a right, not an obligation. (team)