'We need stern rules on campaigns'

'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