'Sutiyoso involved in money politics'

With Governor Sutiyoso having secured a second term in office, many people have expressed skepticism about his ability to lead the city. Some say Sutiyoso lacks public support and does not deserve the position due to allegations of money politics being behind his victory.

Toha, 21, is a traditional beverage vendor in Permata Hijau, South Jakarta. He has lived in the city since 1995 with his brother on Jl. Arteri, South Jakarta. He comes from Pekalongan, Central Java:

I was really disappointed to learn that Sutiyoso had been reelected. Rallies and protests did not prevent him from joining the gubernatorial race.

I think it's impossible for him to make the city better. I doubt he will see through his second tenure until 2007. Many problems will likely make him step down from his post in the near future.

How could he promise to manage the city when his public order officers continue to evict street vendors? Worse, the public order officers extort money from me three times a week under the pretense of needing money to buy fuel.

If Sutiyoso and his administration have been involved in extortion and money politics from the very beginning, what can expect from his performance?

Anyway, I don't care about having a governor or not. All I care about is staying healthy so I can earn a living. That's enough.

Nugroho, 31, is a private English teacher who has lived in Petukangan, South Jakarta, for four years. He is from Madiun, East Java, where his wife and daughter live:

Due to his dismal track record, Sutiyoso should have been disqualified by city councillors. But money and power are more powerful than conscience.

Amid protests and the absence of public support, and also the alleged practice of money politics, he should have withdrawn from the election.

In my opinion, it's impossible for him to take action or to eradicate social problems in Jakarta. His competence is questionable.

Well, let's be open the fact that many people still live below poverty line in Jakarta.

There are many people living in slum areas who are hungry, and I doubt that Sutiyoso can help them.

Anna, 28, is a preschool teacher in Cirendeu, South Jakarta, who lives in Kalibata, South Jakarta, with her family. She has been teaching for more than three years:

I don't care about who becomes the governor, including Sutiyoso, because I've never experienced the sort of misery that needs the direct help of the governor.

However, I'm not so sure that Sutiyoso can cope with the complex problems of Jakarta.

Sarjuno, 37, works for an electronics company and is originally from Surakarta, Central Java. He resides in Bekasi and works in South Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children:

I'm not so sure Sutiyoso can make the metropolis much safer than it is, what with street crime being so rampant.

He lacks competence and commitment to manage the city seriously. His leadership is typical of the New Order regime, repressive and full of corruption.

-- Leo Wahyudi S