The decision of Chairwomen of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri to nominate incumbent Governor Sutiyoso as a gubernatorial candidate may affect the party's performance. Some of her party supporters have expressed their disappointment as have the common people.

Lianto Sianipar, 28, a trader at the International Trade Center Mangga Dua, North Jakarta.

I don't agree that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) nominates Sutiyoso. What has he done during his governorship? There are still many poor people, traffic jams are still there, and security remains a big problem.

I think it is a mistake for Megawati to support him to lead Jakarta again. It is not in line with the people's aspirations, particularly the supporters of her party.

Everyone knows that he was the Jakarta military commander when the PDI headquarters was attacked on July 27, 1996, It is really strange. I voted for PDI Perjuangan in the last election, I do not know whether I will still vote for the party in the next election.

What we need now is a governor who pays attention to the fate of the poor people.

Ali Gutom, 30 is an activist with a non-governmental organization living in Jaga Karsa, South Jakarta.

If PDI Perjuangan nominates Sutiyoso, it is really a betrayal of the people's aspirations. I voted for PDI Perjuangan, therefore I am really disappointed that the party, particularly Megawati, does not listen to the people's aspirations.

Why Sutiyoso? There are still many other people who are better than him. He has failed to effectively lead the capital. Many problems are unsolved, poverty, security, drugs.

PDI Perjuangan leaders should be aware that the people are now watching what they are doing. If they fail to respond to the people's aspirations, it will affect the party's performance in the 2004 General Elections.

Therefore, before it is too late, PDI Perjuangan should consider the voice of the grassroots.

R. Akbar, an employee of a private company employee who lives in East Jakarta.

It's funny to read reports about Megawati's support for Sutiyoso mainly due to his military background. For me, it seems that Megawati has decided to support Sutiyoso to maintain security during the General Session because she does not have confidence in the police.

Is she naive or what?

We all know that the country has no super cops, but the police we have are not that bad. Besides, what's the use of Sutiyoso, who has failed to maintain public order in the city? He couldn't even manage to control street vendors.

Wawan Kurniawan, is a senior high school teacher at Global Jaya in Bintaro, Tangerang.

Knowing that Megawati nominated Sutiyoso, I feel very disappointed.

It is an unexpected setback in the nation's struggle for democracy. In this reform era, she should represent the voice of the people for reform.

Maybe Mega has hidden motives for both her family businesses and politics. Perhaps she supports Sutiyoso despite his poor track record, as she expects his help in return.

In return Mega expects that he will safeguard the upcoming elections. Like it or not Sutiyoso still has the authority and power to mobilize people in the capital.--JP