'We need stern rules on campaigns'

The three-week campaign period for the legislative election allows 24 parties to post flags, posters and banners in public places. Although the city bylaw and the election law determine the areas in which party paraphernalia may be posted, these rulings have largely been ignored. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on the issue.

Ardy Purnawansani, 21, is a student activist. He lives in Pisangan Timur subdistrict, East Jakarta:

The placement of flags, posters and banners by political parties during the campaign has made Jakarta ugly. Some party paraphernalia is even posted on private property without the owners' permission.

Maybe, I'm just one of many people who are annoyed by this situation.

I think it's because the General Elections Commission (KPU) has been too permissive. The KPU does not take any action against violators.

Also, the party leaders do not provide their supporters with guidelines. They simply let their supporters place paraphernalia anywhere. They even ignore the fact that party convoys often break traffic regulations.

I think we need sterner regulations on election campaigns in the future.

Hery Indyanto, 40, is a civil servant with the city husbandry agency. He lives on Jl. Percetakan Negara VI, Central Jakarta:

Actually, party paraphernalia could add a festive element to the capital if it was erected in an orderly manner. Too bad that most times this is not the case.

We can see that many parties flags are erected along the toll road, which really spoils the view.

I think we need clearer regulation on party paraphernalia in the future. That way, flags or posters wouldn't be placed along toll roads, or covering traffic signs, for instance.

It would be better if the placement of party paraphernalia was directed by the city administration and the KPU.

-- The Jakarta Post