'Sutiyoso is the wrong person to lead the city'

Sutiyoso and Fauzi Bowo were inaugurated on Monday as Jakarta governor and deputy governor, respectively. Many people, however, told The Jakarta Post they were disappointed with the pair's election and were skeptical they would be able to lead the city.

Jimmy, 36, a street musician since 1986. He lives in Cibubur, East Jakarta, with his wife and daughter. He is originally from Manado, North Sulawesi:

Sutiyoso won the election because of (President) Megawati Soekarnoputri's support. Maybe Megawati thinks he is the right person to lead the city.

But according to the majority of the low-income people, Sutiyoso is the wrong person because he never sides with the poor.

Unfortunately, it is hard for ordinary people to fight Governor Sutiyoso and his deputy, Fauzi Bowo. Perhaps people should join forces to form another board of councillors elected by the poor, to compete with the city councillors. People will give their sympathy to the council that is not ruled by corruption and bribery.

Mass rallies to protest Sutiyoso are useless because the voice of the people come to nothing. I think it's better for the people to (physically) attack them (councillors) and see who wins the war.

Sounds ridiculous, right? But it's better than seeing the city ruined by corrupt officials.

Taufik, 25, a candy vendor near the Indonesian Christian University (UKI) campus in East Jakarta. He resides in Kali Malang, East Jakarta, with his wife and daughter. He moved from Cirebon 10 years ago:

I'm sure Jakarta will not get any better under the leadership of Governor Sutiyoso and his deputy Fauzi Bowo.

I can say this because I lived on the street for years and I saw how tough life is on the streets. There are lots more hoodlums operating on public buses now. Unemployment in the city has increased sharply and day-to-day life has gotten harder.

Most vendors and hawkers, who are fighting just to survive, have to live in fear of eviction by city public order officers every day. We have to bribe them with "security" fees, but that does not make conditions any better. We are still subject to forced eviction.

The city governor and his deputy only think of their vested interests, putting aside the public interest. What use are they if their leadership does not improve the welfare of Jakartans?

Joni, not his real name, 40, a multilevel marketer. He lives in Klender, East Jakarta, with his wife and daughter:

These kind of city leaders should step down! They have poor track records filled with irregularities and poor performances.

In addition, their leadership is questionable following allegations that city councillors engaged in money politics. I think they are not morally fit to govern the city.

I'm not sure that Sutiyoso and his partner Fauzi can manage the city for a second term. If they can't resolve simple matters, how can they hope to cope with more complex problems in the metropolitan?

Maybe it's time for ordinary people like us to consider a social revolution, since all the reforms have so far failed to improve things.

-- Leo Wahyudi S