`Spend cash on poor, not subdistrict heads'

`Spend cash on poor, not subdistrict heads'

Each of the 267 subdistrict heads in the city will be given a
Toyota Kijang car in July or August by the city administration.
Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo said the cars would help facilitate
their work. However, some city residents have questioned the
plan, in conversation with The Jakarta Post.

Syahril (not his real name), 59, is a sidewalk vendor of soft
drinks in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. He lives nearby with his
wife and some of the grandchildren from his three children:

I don't think it's a good idea. I wonder why the city
government intends to give cars to the subdistrict heads? I don't
see the need for them, as they spend most of the time at their
offices, so what are the cars for?

Besides, the subdistrict heads do not deserve to get cars, as
their performance is poor, let alone that of their subordinates.
They're all corrupt.

For instance, we have to pay quite a lot just to get an ID
card, while it's supposed to be free. They accumulate a lot of
money from charging such illegal fees.

They could afford to buy posh cars themselves, so it would be
pointless to give them a new car.

I think the budget could be used to finance soft loans for
those on low incomes. The loans would help empower them. If only
(Governor) Sutiyoso thought that way -- I'd really appreciate it.

Those on low incomes have a simple wish -- to live a decent,
honest life, regardless of their profession. It means all they
wish for is affordable prices so they can get by, that's all. But
the government fails to fulfill even the simplest wish of low-
income people.

Anung, 55, is a father of four children who lives in Kreo,
South Jakarta. He was formerly a community unit chief in Central
Jakarta:

Well, I don't see the need to give the subdistrict heads in
Jakarta a new car each -- it's just not a high priority.

I reckon that they're only really called upon to work hard
when there's flooding, voter registration or other special
occasions. Most of their responsibilities involve routine,
administrative matters, which can be handled in the subdistrict
office.

Their jobs require only limited mobility, so I wonder why it's
necessary to give them cars.

I'd prefer it if the city governor gave them cars to encourage
them to perform better. As for the governor, the subdistrict
heads are part of the money machine, and can collect building
taxes from residents, which can run to billions of rupiah. They
are considered the spearhead by Sutiyoso in collecting more money
from the city.

However, their performance is just not up to scratch. I mean,
they're all corrupt, just like high-ranking officials in the
government. I reckon, though, that their corruption is carried
out within limits so that residents don't feel too extorted when
they go to them to deal with their administrative matters.

All people are corrupt, so corruption has become part of our
daily lives. It would be nonsensical to say that the service
provided by the government is free, as officials always ask for
money and residents willingly hand it over. Thus, it's difficult
to judge whether or not subdistrict heads are really corrupt.

Anto, 42, has one son. He helps his relatives sell chickens in
Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta. He lives there with his family and
relatives:

I think the city government's idea to give cars to all
subdistrict heads in the city is just too much. I'm sure that
nearly all subdistrict heads are quite well-off already.

It's barely credible that a poor resident would become the
subdistrict head in any given area.

I don't think the jobs of subdistrict heads are so hard that
they need cars to perform their day-to-day tasks. I see that one
of the subdistrict heads where I live did hardly anything, as if
nothing serious needed to be dealt with in that person's daily
work.

Also, the areas for which they are responsible are relatively
accessible, even without a car.

I think their poor performance in providing services to the
public is always questionable. Therefore it would be reasonable
to say they don't deserve to get cars.

-- Leo Wahyudi S