'They will soon forget their own promises'

In the upcoming elections, voters will select candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) for the first time in the nation's history. Those elected will take their seats in the People's Consultative Assembly along with the 550 elected members of the House of Representatives. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents for their views on the DPD election.

Folber, 28, works at a private publishing company in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Madrasah, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I'm familiar with only a few popular candidates for the DPD, whose background I don't know well. Besides, I really don't wish to know them, not even their so-called vision and mission.

We, the people, have for years been deceived by our representatives. Apathy may be the right word for my attitude, and, I believe, that of others, too. The DPD and the House are both the same to me. They're supposed to represent the people, but unfortunately have failed to do so.

The problem is that we have no monitoring mechanism to control those elected. Mark my words, as soon as they're in power, they'll forget what they've promised.

Abdi Susanto, 27, is a journalist with a health tabloid in West Jakarta. He lives with his wife in Pancoran, South Jakarta:

What papers have published information about the DPD and its responsibilities? I've not read anything about it yet. Maybe it's because I'm not that enthused by all this election stuff.

Mind you, I'm still in the dark about how to vote. I have talked to many friends, who also have the same apathetic attitude; it's still unclear whether we should pierce party symbols or candidates' pictures.

A public information campaign with detailed information is absolutely essential. Otherwise, the DPD election will not be taken seriously by voters.

--The Jakarta Post