'Survival more important than public campaigns'

'Survival more important than public campaigns'

A number of non-governmental organizations have recently launched
public campaigns on certain public issues, but they flopped as
only a few people took part in the events. Some people said they
did not join the campaigns because they did not believe they
would achieve anything. The Jakarta Post interviewed several
people on the subject.

Rudi, 29, a Jakarta Stock Exchange building maintenance staff
member. He lives in Klender, East Jakarta with his son and wife:

I personally support public campaigns held in the city.

I don't mind joining the campaigns but I feel that it is
useless. What's the use of fighting if our struggles are later
forgotten by those corrupt government officials? Nothing!

I can understand if some residents in the city have a kind of
apathy towards public campaigns. They would be better off
thinking about how to survive rather than join useless public
activities.

Perhaps, I cannot deny that many times I also feel apathetic.
The most important thing is how to survive. Living in the city
like Jakarta is very tough. We know that.

Ari, 23, is a cleaning service employee in the Manggala sports
hall in Central Jakarta. His family lives in Sudimara, Tangerang:

We cannot just blame our society who have been apathetic
against public issues in the city. The economic crisis has
created that kind of attitude.

I myself find it tough to survive. So why should I waste my
time taking part in public campaigns if in the end it does not
help me survive?

In my opinion, thinking about my own survival is much more
important. Besides, the city's complex problems won't be solved
by such campaigns, right?

On the other hand, the government is responsible for the
public apathy ... They are busy with their own vested interests
in maintaining their posts and power.

I'm sure they have programs to improve the economic situation
of city residents. Unfortunately they don't have time to pay
special or real attention to low income people like us.

Anyway, what's the use (of joining public campaigns)?

Krismardi, 52, an employee of a state-owned company. Formerly
from West Sumatra, he now lives in Gandaria, South Jakarta, with
his wife and three children:

It's no wonder that most city residents have recently become
apathetic about public issues because most leaders and government
officials never accommodate their aspirations.

Worse, the government does nothing to prove its commitment to
the public. No action can be obviously seen by the public.

As a result, some people prefer to take the law in their own
hands by enforcing street justice on those they consider to have
violated the law.

I am apathetic, too.

-- Leo Wahyudi S