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

'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