'Some DPD hopefuls have vision'

Candidates for the new Regional Representatives Council (DPD) have started campaigning across the capital, but many residents remain uninformed about the tasks of the DPD members. Unfortunately, most of the candidates have failed to communicate to voters. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue.

Budi Setyawan, 24, is a fresh computer science graduate of a private university in Salemba, Central Jakarta. He lives in Menteng Pulo, South Jakarta:

I have heard about the DPD. I know of some of the candidates from the media which have run their profiles. However, I still don't know what those candidates have in mind to improve people's welfare.

If I'm not mistaken, their tasks will be more like that of the now-defunct Regional Representatives faction at the People's Consultative Assembly. The new legislative body won't be very different to the old one.

I believe that most of the candidates are from the defunct Assembly faction.

That's why I think the DPD is not necessary, as I doubt they will contribute anything significant to the improvement of people's welfare, especially people in their respective regions. Until now, I haven't heard of any comprehensive concepts they are offering to develop their own regions.

Arlissa, 29, is a housewife and lives in Cinere, South Jakarta:

As a good citizen, I follow media reports on the campaign of DPD candidates and political parties. It's important, so one knows whether the upcoming elections will be chaotic or peaceful.

I don't know all of the DPD candidates, but I am already keeping an eye on a few of them I think have a good vision on what has to be done to improve the lives of the people. I will vote for them. But, I still don't know whether I can vote for more than one candidate.

--The Jakarta Post