'Sutiyoso doesn't deserve another term as governor'

The race to become the next governor of Jakarta is heating up. The incumbent Sutiyoso, who was severely criticized for his handling of the recent flooding, has stated his readiness to serve a second term. President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), and Vice President Hamzah Haz, the chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), have expressed their support for Sutiyoso. What do the people have to say about this?

Ambar Agung Setyaningrum, 23, a Jakarta-born college student majoring in interior design. She resides in Salemba Tengah, Central Jakarta.

"That's crazy. I don't agree with the idea of reelecting Sutiyoso. He has failed to perform well, so why should we give him another five years if we can choose a better leader?

Besides, I don't agree with President Megawati intervening in the gubernatorial election, as it goes against the spirit of regional autonomy. Maybe Megawati wants Sutiyoso, who has a military background, to ensure security in Jakarta. But that sounds like nonsense, because during Sutiyoso's term security has remained a major problem in the capital."

Kurnia Ira, 42, a lecturer at a private educational institute in Rawamangun, East Jakarta. She has lived in Tebet, South Jakarta, for 15 years.

"Are you sure Megawati supports Sutiyoso? I don't know what is on her mind, making such a questionable decision. Doesn't she understand Sutiyoso's track record?

Sutiyoso must be held responsible for his role in the tragedy on July 27, 1996, which claimed the lives of Megawati supporters. And the law, during Megawati's term now, has failed to touch him.

I know there are no eternal enemies in politics, but please, Megawati must remember the sacrifice made by her supporters, which has put her in the position she is in now.

Besides, Sutiyoso has failed to develop this city. Instead, he is notorious for evicting the poor, failing to manage the flooding and not coping with corruption.

There must be other candidates who are better than him. Why don't we give them a chance? Political leaders must understand people's opinion, otherwise, they won't be elected."

Hermansyah, 40, a vendor in the Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta. He has lived in the capital since 1982.

"In this case, I am right. I don't trust politicians because they never fight for the interests of the people.

When a PDI Perjuangan member visited my house to ask me to vote for the party in the last election, I just said 'Yes'. But I didn't vote for any party.

I wouldn't be surprised if PDI Perjuangan didn't respond to the wishes of its supporters, as they were only used to gain power. After the party leaders gain power, they (the supporters) mean nothing to them.

So even though lots of people oppose Sutiyoso, the party leaders will not listen to them because they have their own considerations in nominating him. Maybe Sutiyoso has promised them money, while the voice of the people is no longer needed."

Sahid, a hawker who lives in Galur, Central Jakarta, with his wife and five children.

"Everyone, including Sutiyoso, has the opportunity to become governor, I think. I don't really care about whether President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz support Sutiyoso or not.

The most important thing is that the next governor is someone who can lead and manage the city, and is concerned about the poor.

This used to describe our leaders. They spoke for the penniless people, but only to win the election. After they moved into their offices, I wonder what they have done for the poor. Nothing!

I hope whoever becomes the next governor will listen and fight for us, the poor." -- JP