Where's the excitemen?

Where's the excitemen?

From Media Indonesia

Though the 2004 general election is only several weeks away, there still does not seem to be any public enthusiasm for this event. There have not yet been any radio or TV broadcasts to educate people about the elections, as required by the Constitution.

TV programs have not aired the logos, visions or platforms of the political parties, especially the new ones, to inform the public. Prospective voters should have a clear idea of who and what they are going to elect, particularly because the presidential election will be the first direct presidential election this country has seen.

In order to boost election zeal, government agencies, social and neighborhood organizations, and religious institutions must play a part. They can do such things as put up party logos and post the names of legislative candidates.

It is necessary to get the public involved in the elections, without coercing or burdening people, because our society is mostly indifferent toward such political events because the lives of the people never seem to change.

H. IFRADI SUKANTO Jakarta