'Social contract is the only way they will get my vote'

Although only a few Jakarta councillors are willing to ink a social contract with voters, promising to refuse bribes and to work for the public good, some potential voters see it as a way to ensure that politicians honor their campaign promises. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about the issue.

Yulia, 27, is a lecturer at a private university and lives in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta:

I support the idea to make a legally binding social contract with politicians.

So far, I have not exercised my right to vote because those who are running only give us empty promises then go on ignoring the public interest.

Now, a social contract is the only way politicians will get my vote.

If all those legislative candidates have made their campaign promises in black and white, I will consider voting in the next general election.

Teguh Karyanto, 42, is a manager at a city-owned media institute on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children on Jl. Pramuka, also in Central Jakarta:

Well, I'm among those who are pessimistic about politicians delivering on their promises to voters. As soon as they get a good position in the legislature or government, they will forget about their promises.

A social contract, I think, is simply b******t. Is there any legal consequence for errant politicians? What can people do if the politicians do become involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism? Even the court can do nothing about it.

The consequence will be nothing more than a moral reprimand from society, but such punishment will mean nothing to many politicians because they have no shame.

--The Jakarta Post