'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