You have problems with Jakarta? Share it with 'Bang' Yos
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Living in the capital is not easy with its uncontrolled development, pollution, traffic snarls and, more recently, flooded streets.
Jakartans, who want to bypass the protocol of Sutiyoso's administration in order to talk in person with Mr. Governor, can now directly voice their complaints or give their input to him thanks to interactive programs being held by a private radio and TV station.
Starting Monday, Trijaya radio will dedicate prime time every Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Sutiyoso to listen to and talk to Jakartans about various issues on air.
In addition, Sutiyoso -- nicknamed Bang (older brother in Betawi) Yos -- will also host a morning talk show on TV 7, titled Ape Kate Bang Yos (Sutiyoso says) on Tuesdays between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.
"Unlike Sutiyoso's previous program with Lativi television station, in which the administration had to pay, both Trijaya and TV 7 provide the slots for free," Jakarta spokesman Catur Laswanto told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
The administration terminated its arrangement last year with Lativi to air the Bang Yos Show.
Critics have called the program a waste of taxpayers' money, saying it only served the Governor's political interests.
Catur said that Sutiyoso wanted such interactive programs to encourage input from the public over policies made by the administration.
"As the program will held during prime time, we are sure that many Jakartans will listen to it and take part in the discussions, even, while they are behind the wheel," he said, referring to the radio program.
He added that Sutiyoso was not satisfied with the existing mail box, PO BOX 0008, to which the residents could send complaints or reports, since he could not immediately react to the complaints or reports and ensure that "the residents are satisfied with his response".
Sutiyoso said last month that he was interested in direct communication and was eager to receive calls, particularly complaints or criticism from residents about corrupt officials.
"I am sure that I would be better able to encourage public input (through the program) rather than merely waiting for my subordinates' reports," he emphasized.
He said that direct communication would be more effective than the text messaging services offered by his junior in the Army, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"As long as the criticism is constructive and clear, I will follow it up. Otherwise, I will certainly ignore it," he asserted.
Meanwhile, program coordinator with Trijaya radio, Yudhi Damar, said that the first show would start on Monday, discussing the assets belonging to the city administration.
"This cooperation (with the administration) is for an indefinite period. We will evaluate the program every three months," he told the Post.
He asserted that only callers who show goodwill and provide a clear identity, would go on air with Sutiyoso.
"We don't tolerate rude and offensive statements or people who want to play around with the talk show," he said, adding that the station would keep a record of the callers.