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