Sutiyoso vows to improve Jakarta, remember the poor

Sutiyoso vows to improve Jakarta, remember the poor

JAKARTA (JP): Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso, who is scheduled to replace
Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja today, vowed yesterday to
improve Jakartans' welfare and build the capital into one of the
world's great cities.

He also promised to continue all projects and programs that
have been introduced by Surjadi, particularly those related to
national-scale projects.

"I'll study all the projects thoroughly and continue them,"
Sutiyoso told a press conference at City Hall yesterday.

"As the city's new governor, I also wish to make Jakarta more
competitive with other big cities overseas, while at the same
time ensuring it houses people in good living conditions."

Surjadi used yesterday's meeting to officially introduce
Sutiyoso to members of the City Hall press gallery.

"To Sutiyoso, I'll entrust Jakarta, with all its achievements
and shortages, in the hope that he will improve what I've started
but have not yet completed because of the limitations of my
office term or probably my own inability," Surjadi said.

Among the projects Surjadi implemented are the planned
construction of a US$2.3 billion subway, the three-tier transit
system and the waterfront city.

Surjadi also hoped that Sutiyoso would be able to continue his
programs of preserving green areas, water catchment areas and
build more low-cost apartments to provide adequate housing for
poor people.

"I believe that under Sutiyoso's governorship, Jakarta's
development will further increase, both in its quality and
intensity," he said.

Sutiyoso said that once installed, he would conduct an
internal consolidation in a bid to identify all the city's
complex problems.

"Like many previous Jakarta governors, I intend to improve the
municipality's performance," he said. "In the process, I'll
listen to people's complaints, examine them -- whether it's true
or not -- and do something about it."

For instance, he said, he would take action against those
violating the city's policies.

"But I won't be sloppy when I take action, such as firing
officials instantly. As a leader, I won't hesitate to warn my
officials but I'll try to be wise. I'm also willing to take
responsibility for my officials' mistakes," the two-star Army
general said.

In implementing his policies, he assured the press he would be
open.

"I won't be allergic to the press' criticism as long as it is
for the people's benefit. I'll also investigate the press'
reports and, if it's true, I'm not going to be ashamed to be
responsible for it."

He also praised Surjadi's leadership and said that he had
asked for the outgoing governor's willingness to give him advice
when he needed it.

"While I was the Jakarta military commander, I learned about
Surjadi and his positive steps, both in his capacity as governor
and as an individual," Sutiyoso said.

For example he said he never saw Surjadi's children or
relatives wanting to take part in any city projects.

"I'll imitate (Surjadi's steps). So please, if my children or
my relatives try to approach deputy governors or mayors,
intending to become involved in the city's projects, refuse them
directly."

If Sutiyoso's friends want to take part in the city's
projects, he said: "Go ahead, it's their right but they should
follow the existing procedures."

When asked whether he would follow Surjadi's initiative of
meeting poor Jakartans, Sutiyoso said: "I'm a village boy myself,
so, Insya Allah (God willing), I'll do the same."

Responding to the current reassessment of all city projects
due to the monetary crisis, Sutiyoso admitted that the
reevaluation would have an impact on city developments.

"I'll study the reevaluation and then I'll decide the first,
or the second, priority projects," he said. (ste)

Inauguration -- Page 3

Editorial -- Page 4