Political parties eying governorship

Political parties eying governorship

The election of the next governor of Jakarta began to attract
attention last week. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan) faction, which controls the largest number of
seats in the city council, is eying the governorship while the
United Development Party (PPP) faction is after the position of
deputy governor.

The largest three factions in the city council are PDI
Perjuangan, with 30 of 85 seats, and PPP and the National Mandate
Party (PAN) factions, each controlling 13 seats in the council.
Also to be reckoned with are the Golkar Party, the Indonesian
Military/National Police and the Crescent and Star Party (PBB)
factions.

Although PDI Perjuangan tops the list in terms of number of
seats controlled, this party must not only be united but also
establish a coalition with other groups to ensure a triumph in
the 2004 general election.

People do not really care about where a leader comes from. The
most important thing is the results of his work. Whether he comes
from a political party or not, he will be supported if he shows
a good performance.

Yet, the problem is that this support will mean nothing as
those who will choose the next leader are the people's
representatives, not the people themselves. Quite a few people's
representatives have abused the trust that the general people has
put in them. They will choose a leader who promises them alluring
gifts.

We can only hope that party people, vying with one another for
the position of Jakarta governor, will remember that the reform
drive is not yet complete and therefore it is the people's
interests that must be prioritized.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta