Protests over Sutiyoso's reelection pointess
Sutiyoso and Fauzi Bowo were sworn in as governor and deputy governor for the 2002-2007 term, despite strong public opposition. The event drew different stances from the public, who shared their feelings with The Jakarta Post.
Purnomo, 41, has been working for 12 years with a construction company. He lives in Cilandak, South Jakarta with his two children and wife. He used to be an activist at his university in Semarang, Central Java:
I am appalled by the inauguration of Sutiyoso and Fauzi Bowo as the new city gubernatorial duo.
Notwithstanding, I think the problem here is no longer a matter of agreement or disagreement with them. Massive rallies to block them were ineffective and in vain, if I may say.
Look who's behind them and therein the problem lies. So, any powerful mass movement to protest against Sutiyoso will likely be to no avail.
Such demonstrations will not be enough to block him and it seems ridiculous for us to make a sacrifice for nothing.
What we can do for the time being is just to deal with it. Meanwhile, we should think about how to cope with the current situation by implementing an accountability plan and other strategies.
Ujang, not his real name, a vendor selling cigarettes and soft drinks in South Jakarta. He rents a house with his friends on Jl. Rambai, South Jakarta:
Honestly, I have no idea about governor Sutiyoso and his deputy. Print and electronic media put me in a difficult position to take my own stance. I don't know which party I should side with, the new governor or the public opposing him.
I heard that those who staged the rallies to protest against the governor were paid. I'm confused which one is true.
Well, in short, I'm just an uneducated person who is nothing compared to those smart high-ranking officials.
The only thing I know is that people like me hope Jakarta will be accommodating toward the poor so that we can improve our lives in this city.
Laila, not her real name, an employee of a noted non- governmental organization in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. She lives in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta with her only child and husband:
From the beginning of the gubernatorial election I could see something dishonest and irregular. The election of the gubernatorial pairing was allegedly marred by bribery among the city councillors. What a corrupt system!
So, what we can we expect from such an irregular process with dishonest figures like Sutiyoso? I guess it's not too much if I'm pessimistic upon seeing their credibility.
I'm not so sure he could govern the city well in the near future.
However, we can do nothing to stop it. Our voice is useless. Informal polls and editorials to oppose his leadership in the mass media are fruitless as they don't work well to change the situation.
Perhaps, it's better for me just to be a spectator who can watch and laugh at the real life of the city.
Sugianto, 27, an employee of a mineral water company's branch office in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. He lives in Rempoa, South Jakarta:
I agree with governor Sutiyoso and his deputy Fauzi Bowo to lead the city despite little progress he made during his first tenure.
What I can do is just hope that in the near future Jakarta will be better. City transportation and security must be improved. I will support whatever the policies are to improve the city.
It's better for the protesters against Sutiyoso to reduce their activities so as not to annoy the public. Lower income people will suffer from the consequences of such protests.