Sutiyoso must work hard to improve his image

Sutiyoso and Fauzi Bowo were elected as new governor and deputy governor of Jakarta for the 2002-2207 term amid strong protests on Wednesday. For Governor Sutiyoso, his reelection proves his success in drawing support from the City Council even though there was strong evidence that President Megawati Soekarnoputri was really behind his victory. Noted artist Rano Karno of the popular Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel the Schoolboy), which is set in a native Jakarta community, spoke to The Jakarta Post's Soeryo Winoto about Sutiyoso's reelection.

Question: What do you think of Sutiyoso's reelection?

Answer: Whoever leads and governs Jakarta faces a very tough job ... The fact is that Jakarta needs an experienced figure. I don't care if the (new) governor is Betawi (an indigenous Jakartan) or not.

Ideally, a governor must have a formal educational background in state administration. Sutiyoso was a soldier but since he became the Jakarta governor he could have learned much about state administration.

Whether you or I like it or not, the fact is that Sutiyoso has had five year's experience. Despite his shortcomings, he could be better than those who are inexperienced. A new governor would take time to understand the complicated problems of the capital city.

Learning by experience is possible, but it's time consuming, while there are more problems that lie ahead. Do you agree with the belief that corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) were behind Sutiyoso's reelection? And what about the huge demonstrations against him before and during the election?

I don't know. It's not that easy to prove KKN. In the past the Jakarta governor was chosen by the president. I don't know whether it was the president's prerogative. Now that we are in the reform era, we have many gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial candidates. And people are allowed to express their aspirations. A popular candidate, who eventually wins the election could evoke jealousy among those unelected.

People have branded Sutiyoso a failure as governor. What were his achievements during his five-year term, if any?

He was not a complete failure. But he is always remembered as a former Jakarta Military commander, and people always relate his position at that time to the bloody July 27, 1996 incident. The latest failure, according to people, were the big floods early this year.

However, some people may say that whoever the military chief was in that political climate (in 1996) would have done the same thing as Sutiyoso. Some may also say that a flood is -- in a way -- a natural phenomenon.

I'm not a politician or anyone to speak as a supporter of a certain political force or group. I'm an artist, so let me speak about things relating to culture and the arts. I think Sutiyoso paid good attention to the preservation and development of Betawi arts and culture. That's one of Sutiyoso's positive points.

The Situ Babakan (Betawi) cultural preservation project in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, could be cited as an example of his concern about the preservation of Betawi culture. He was the only governor who held a Betawi traditional ceremony when moving to a new house. I don't know if his move was part of his efforts to gain popularity among the Betawi people. I don't care.

Now that he has been reelected, Sutiyoso should improve his image among the people. What do you think?

It's the last time he can be the Jakarta governor. He will not hold the position after this five-year term. He should make clear programs, short and long-term programs which directly touch the people.

Environmental problems are crucial. Anticipation of flooding and proper garbage handling must be top priority. Jakarta has a very serious garbage problem. In the past we could use Bantar Gebang in Bekasi, West Java, as a final dump site for free. Now Jakartans cannot use Bantar Gebang as freely as we did in the past, and it is the governor who should find a solution.

Do you think that Sutiyoso has the support of the people and of his aides at City Hall? And can he still deal with the myriad unresolved problems in the capital?

Sutiyoso deserves the chance (to govern Jakarta) as he is still able to do his job, despite his weaknesses. Give him a chance. Successfully managing Jakarta also depends on the City Council. The current City Council has yet to properly represent the people.

We need a strong City Council, one that can join hands with the governor to overcome the city's problems. Sutiyoso should also be selective in his choice of aides. He should single out carefully those who have strong commitment and capability to implement any programs set by the administration. These are all still possible. Let's work together to "rebuild" our Jakarta.