'Sutiyoso doesn't deserve another term as governor'

'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