You have problems with Jakarta? Share it with 'Bang' Yos
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.