`This year was worse than last year'

The end of 2002 is nearing. Many people say the economic crisis still persists and that this year has been even worse than the previous years. The Jakarta Post asked some city residents their thoughts about 2002 as the year 2003 draws closer.

Purwoko, 33, is a vendor who sells fried snacks. He lives in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta with his wife and son:

I guess the economic slowdown is the most prominent problem in 2002. Because this year was far worse than previous years.

As one of the low income people who lives in the city, I swear that life in Jakarta is getting harder.

Almost all prices of daily commodities are increasing at the moment.

I don't have greater hopes for next year because whoever leads the country will be corrupt and incompetent.

I'm pessimistic that the country, particularly the city, will be able to improve due to the ongoing economic problems.

Unless the government makes effort to improve the people's welfare, the country will face worsening conditions and the public will have antipathy toward the government.

Eka Wenats, 32, is a lecturer at a noted private university in South Jakarta. He lives in Jatiwaringin, Bekasi, with his wife:

I'm really fed up with what has happened in 2002. Everything was worse than the previous years.

I guess I'm one of the people who feels indifferent toward the government particularly the city governor who apparently does not side with the poor.

There are many things causing me to feel fed up. Severe traffic jams, the low mentality of officials, and the selfishness of government officials are among the issues that concern me.

But the most obvious is that both the city administration and the people don't care about each other. There is no more feeling of friendliness, if I may say so. I don't see any goodwill at all on the part of the government to change the situation.

I'm sick of the high-ranking officials and leaders who are simply money and power oriented.

Frankly, I've started to be apathetic. I don't always stop at traffic lights as I don't have respect for the money craving police.

Next year will be even worse, I assume. So, why should I care about others if almost all city residents here are senseless? Why should I be a good taxpayer if I don't get what I deserve as a taxpayer?

I would recommend that President Megawati and Governor Sutiyoso step down because they are just such incompetent leaders!

Iwan, 18, is a vendor selling trumpets for the upcoming New Year. He rents a house in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta:

I don't see any significant improvement in 2002. The country is getting even poorer compared to previous years.

The rampant street crimes across Greater Jakarta scare me. I guess the economic hardship in the city had led people to criminal activity.

The economic downturn has made life difficult for every city resident. Our increasing needs and limited earnings depresses us so much that sometimes we become hard-hearted survivors.

I wonder why the greedy politicians and high-ranking officials are so concerned with the next general election rather than the welfare of the poor.

The President and the governor are incompetent leaders and should be changed. They always ignore the real situation faced by the people.

I have nothing to say about my hopes for 2003 as I feel pessimistic and apathetic. I'm sure there will be no improvement. Therefore a poor person like me just learns to be grateful for being able to survive.