Sutiyoso and Megawati

Sutiyoso and Megawati

From Kompas

The political situation in Indonesia has been disappointing
for many years and the people are used to it.

However, a statement by President Megawati Soekarnoputri that
she supports Sutiyoso because he can maintain security in Jakarta
is even more disappointing. It is true that the general election
in 1999 was safe, but this does not mean that Sutiyoso is capable
of making Jakarta safe. And we can also ask, who has said that
Jakarta is safe.

Let's ponder the following: Can residents living in flood-
prone areas feel secure in their sleep during the rainy season?
Do car drivers feel safe at traffic lights? Are foreigners
secure,staying in Jakarta? Do women dare to travel alone by taxi
at night? Will the victims of July 27 and May 1998 feel safe? Do
bank customers feel safe when withdrawing money? So when it is
said that Jakarta is safe and secure, we must ask whose criteria
are used.

It is disappointing and touching at the same time, to learn
that legislators from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
faction on the City Council cannot vote for a governor that suits
their conscience. So are the councillors really our
representatives or are they just President Megawati's? If they
represent you, Megawati, you must listen to the aspirations of
the people in Jakarta.

ADITYA M.

Jakarta