Poll positions

Poll positions

Jakartans express their views on the April 5 general election

Teguh Sumantri, 41, is an employee of a state-owned institution
on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan. He lives with his wife and two
children in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta:

I have not yet made up my mind on which political party I will
vote for. I have not found a political party that has candidates
credible enough to represent the people.

I have not been convinced by the election campaigns on
television, which I often watch. But I will vote on April 5. I
will make up my mind before that date.

Ramdani, 36, is the owner of a food store in Cengkareng
subdistrict, West Jakarta:

I know which political party I will vote for on April 5.
Initially, I planned not to vote, as I am disappointed with the
party that I voted for in 1999.

But I changed my mind after watching a televised campaign,
which was organized by the University of Indonesia. I am
impressed by the party concerned and I will vote for it.

Endang Sri Hestiningsih, 54, a civil servant, lives in Pancoran
Mas, Depok, West Java:

We get bored with the lofty promises made by political parties
during their campaigns. Political parties make promises that are
similar. Thus, we tend not to care about any of them.

Although most of my colleagues do not fully support one party,
we still have some preferences.

However, we will likely vote for (former minister) Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono for president. Because he is fairly capable and
good looking.

Rudi W, 42, a taxi driver, lives in Depok on the southern
outskirts of Jakarta. He is also chairman of a local elections
committee (KPPS).

At first, I was worried that the election campaign would be a
tense period as even the trivial gesture of a supporter could
spark conflict between parties on the streets. I know that there
is one political party with die-hard supporters who are willing
to do anything to get their leader re-elected. This only adds to
my fear.

However, it has helped to observe that, so far, life in the
city has continued as usual. From conversations with my
passengers, colleagues and relatives I have arrived at the
conclusion that people no longer care about the general election.
Even the supporters of political parties are tired of bickering.

Rizal, 36, is an employee of a private company in Tangerang,
Banten:

I have decided to choose the National Mandate Party (PAN) and
its leader Amien Rais (as presidential hopeful) long before the
campaign period.

I think we should give Amien the chance to lead the country as
he is the only reform figure who has not been given a chance.
Other reform figures, such as Abdurrahman Wahid or Megawati,
didn't lead the country successfully.

Tita, 32, a lecturer of the University of Indonesia, lives in
Depok, West Java:

I have yet to decide which party's symbol I will punch when I
vote. To be honest, there are too many unknown names on the list
of parties.

I'm skeptical about the elections, there seems to be so many
problems, especially with the ballot papers.