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