When people don't trust 'Pak' RT anymore ...

Being the chief (Pak) of a neighborhood unit (RT) for 15 years still does not make my father resign. Not because he doesn't want to but because no one wants the job.

Well, it's not easy to become Pak RT. As a pensioner, of course my father has lots of time to work on administrative papers for the people. He also has time to act as a leader and representative in handling community issues.

However, he doesn't get rich although he has been in power for 15 years. He never travels overseas, never buys us new cars nor stages parties on RT expenses.

Knowing that being Pak RT is not that profitable, my husband intentionally skipped the election last year despite the fact that he had gained lots of support from our neighbors. Well, I'm not his spokesperson or campaign programmer but I know that he's quite a strong candidate -- though it's difficult to understand as he only stays at home at weekends, so how come my neighbors like him that much?

Money politics? Forget it!

What will we get in return? A big nothing, particularly with a monthly iuran (contribution) of only Rp 2,000.

A 10 percent commission from any development in the community? Oh come on! We live in a housing complex instead of an industrial one. It's mission impossible to enrich ourselves.

Avoiding responsibility? Well, that's possibly the real reason. My husband doesn't want small things that might happen in our community to tarnish his image as sesepuh (older person), though actually he's only 31!

As he already predicted, problems began to grow in the community. People started to feel dissatisfied with the elected Pak RT -- it's quite surprising because they themselves voted for the incumbent.

Some accused Pak RT's wife as the dominant factor in his incapable leadership, saying that her royal title made her feel above us, the common people. They prefer to keep a distance from the people.

They are not obliged to work hand-in-hand with us during kerja bakti (voluntarily service).

I was quite surprised during kerja bakti prior to the Independence Day celebrations and Ibu RT (his wife) only stood beside her car with a huge umbrella covering her fair skin and lovely face. She only pointed which part to be cleaned to other women ... and stupidly we all did what she said.

I don't mind kerja bakti. In fact, I always think it's a good chance for us to beautify our neighborhood together and to mingle.

"Look, our noble Ibu RT gives order. Let's do it or she'll cane us," one of my neighbors jokingly said.

I couldn't stop laughing, imagining the skinny and short Ibu RT caning my big body ... I don't say I'm fat just big and tall.

Eventually, my husband experienced the same with Pak RT.

"He just came and sat, giving us orders without even bothering to help," he grumbled.

People also said that Pak RT wanted the people to respect him just because he is a university graduate and due to his position as a chief in our unit. He and his wife even preferred us to call them Pak and Ibu RT instead of their own names. Wow....!

Other people said Pak RT's ambition to invest money in a new minimart had made him pelit (cheap) while the rest said Pak RT had forgotten his promises during the campaign to donate several million rupiah to build a musholla (small mosque) in our neighborhood.

The gossip has spread for months but my husband and I just found out recently thanks to one of my neighbors who came and informed us of the rumors.

"You must realize that we won a Rp 250,000 cash prize from the RW (community unit) Independence Day sports competitions, besides the trophies," said my neighbor. "Ibu A wanted to have a kambing guling (goat barbecue) party, Ibu B wanted to buy costumes for our sports teams. But we all agree that the money must not go to Pak and Ibu RT."

Wow ... wait a minute!

I have never realized before that I was very kuper (introverted), not knowing the latest gossip nor realizing the mounting distrust among the people.

Finally, during the final round of arisan (an RT meeting with some money to save), Ibu RT gave her speech on how she gave up her power in arisan and handed it over to her treasurer. At the same meeting, Pak RT gave a hint of not wanting to be reelected in next May's election.

All of us just looked at each other, wondering if the couple really knew the people wanted to topple them in the next RT election in May. Some even wondered if they really meant what they had said.

Days later my husband asked me: "When is the RT election?"

"Next May," I replied. "Why?"

"Just remind me to skip the election. Make sure we're out of town," he said.

"Why?"

"Do you want to see your husband ousted from power just like what they did to Gus Dur?"

Ooopps ... wrong question. I can't imagine seeing my husband in a T-shirt and short pants waving to his few supporters while others demand him to step down...

Oh, no!

-- Harini