Sutiyoso must work hard to improve his image

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.