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