Protests over Sutiyoso's reelection pointess

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.