Rich too 'busy' to care about subdistrict councils

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

While many slum dwellers complain about the poor performance of their dewan kelurahan (subdistrict councils, Dekel), those living in upmarket neighborhoods are oblivious to the councils' existence.

"What is dewan kelurahan? I've never heard of it. I just know the kelurahan (subdistrict office)," said Henny Setiawati, who lives in the upmarket Pondok Indah residential area in Pondok Pinang subdistrict, South Jakarta.

Henny, who works for a foreign firm in Central Jakarta, admitted to being ignorant as to who her neighborhood unit chief is.

Another resident of the elite Menteng area in Central Jakarta, Onondon, also knew nothing about the subdistrict council.

"I've just heard about it from you. No circular concerning the matter has been distributed," he said.

A neighborhood unit chief in Menteng, Samsudin, complained that residents living in the area paid no attention to happenings in their neighborhood, saying they do not care to read circulars distributed.

She found it impossible to disseminate information directly to residents as it was difficult to meet them in their houses.

"I've tried to see them many times, but it's always a dog or a security guard who comes out," she said.

Commenting on the matter, sociologist Ery Seda of the University of Indonesia said it was a natural response among those in the middle and upper classes.

"They are too busy with their own business, and they lack social solidarity with their neighbors," said Ery.

Such people, Ery said, had a different rhythm and lifestyle so that they saw no need to build relations with their neighbors.

Subdistrict councils were established last year to promote democracy, with council members being elected by residents of the respective areas. Every neighborhood unit (RW) is represented by a councilor member. There are more than 2,600 neighborhood units in 267 subdistricts throughout the capital.

Meanwhile, Pondok Pinang Dekel secretary Mashur Nasam said the subdistrict council had no immediate plan to conduct activities involving those living in elite residential areas.

"We're focusing on the extension of funds to empower the poor," Mashur said, referring to the disbursement of Rp 250 million from the city administration to help provide working capital for low-income breadwinners.

"We have 17 neighborhood units, of which 12 units are densely populated areas inhabited by lower-income bracket, who need funds," he said.

Earlier reports alleged that many council members had misused the funds.