'Social contracts might make politicians think'

The non-governmental organization Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) recently asked several councillors to sign a social contract that would bind them to live up to their election promise to work for the interests of the public. Such contracts are just one of several initiatives to try and force our representatives to honor their campaign promises. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue.

Sita Planasari, 25, is a journalist whose office is located in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. She lives in Mayestik, also in South Jakarta:

I think the idea is worth a try, although many people would say it is useless to try and make the legislative candidates deliver on their promises once they are elected.

Politicians make promises to lure voters, but they don't really mean every word they say. With this kind of contract, I hope we can teach them a lesson or two about not forgetting their promises so easily.

Maybe Indonesia is heading toward a better future after all with the presence of such social contracts.

Heru Christanto, 30, is a lecturer at a private university in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. He lives with his wife in Kelapa Dua, West Jakarta:

I doubt the social contracts will work. We have seen our representatives fool us with their wishful thinking and promises. When they get in power, they forget them all.

Today, we have leaders who during the last election campaign pledged to fight corruption. But, as you see, they have turned a blind eye to rampant collusion, corruption and nepotism in our government and legislature.

Recently, I asked my students whether they were proud to be Indonesian given the mess in our country. Up to 80 percent of them replied that they were ashamed to be Indonesian. I think that simply reflects the depth of the crisis of confidence in our leaders.

Anyway, I welcome any measure as the one taken by Fakta. That will help remind our leaders of their forgotten promises. The media will also play a very great role in this process.

--The Jakarta Post