*IBRAHIM ISA'S – FOCUS *
*ON JAKARTA ELECTION *
*Sunday, March 25, 2012*
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*ELECTING THE LEADER OF JAKARTA . . . . .*
*JAKARTA ELECTION, THE TRUE TEST OF INDONESIAN DEMOCRACY*
*DON'T LET VOTERS GET FOOLED BY EMPTY POROMISES*
*JOKOWI CALMS SURAKARTAN'S ABOUT HIS CANDIDACY*/
*-------------------------------------------------------------*
*ELECTING LEADER OF JAKARTA, CITY OF (NO) JOY . .*
Fitrian Ardiansyah, Canberra | Wed, 03/21/2012
Recent news on the lead up to the Jakarta gubernatorial election has
reminded people about the importance of the immediate future of this
great big capital city and the people who live within its city limits.
Jakarta, for some, is considered as a source of economic opportunities,
a stepping stone to living the "Indonesian dream".
For others, it is a constant reminder of a harsh day-to-day life, facing
the consequences of urban environmental mismanagement such as traffic
gridlock, flooding, air and water pollution.
Yet, like a magnet, those who have left will likely return, new people
will turn up and the majority who stay will continue to call this city
their home.
Jakarta has a stunning history. From a small port on the estuary of the
Ciliwung River around 500 years ago, Jakarta has significantly
transformed itself into Indonesia's economic and political hub.
The city is a busy and crowded melting pot and is now one of the biggest
cities on Earth.
The latest statistics suggest that Jakarta's population has reached 9.6
million (with a growth rate of 1.40 percent per year) — among the top 10
most populous cities in the world — while the Greater Jakarta
Metropolitan Area is home to 27.9 million people (the growth rate is 3.6
percent per year).
Jakarta's population density is estimated at around 14,500 per square
kilometer, ranking 17th of 125 big cities in the world.
According to Prof. Tommy Firman of the Bandung Institute of Technology,
the population growth in Jakarta and its greater area can be attributed
to net migration and reclassification (i.e. change in rural localities
to urban localities).
The accelerating growth in population in the city is due to, among
other factors, its significant economic growth. It was recorded that
last year, economic growth in Jakarta reached 16.5 percent, the highest
in Indonesia.
Although having the highest economic growth in the country, Jakarta
still falls behind other big cities in the world, particularly when it
comes to personal earnings and purchasing power.
A report released last year by UBS reveals that Jakarta has the lowest
rank (number 73 of 73 big cities assessed) in terms of domestic
purchasing power, even compared to Manila, Nairobi and Mumbai. It is,
however, slightly better (number 70) than these three cities in terms of
gross wages.
Its iPod index — a calculation on how long an employee would have to
work to be able to afford an iPod nano with 8 GB storage in each city —
ranks 65 in 2009, which is lower than Bangkok (much lower than Zurich or
New York) but higher than Delhi, Manila and Mumbai.
This means that an average wage-earner in Zurich and New York can buy an
iPod nano after nine hours of work. Workers in Jakarta, however, need to
work 93 hours (or 10 nine-hour days) to purchase the same gadget.
Regardless of these figures, the economic spectrum of Jakarta is still
very attractive to millions of people.
This tremendous economic boost, combined with decades of land-use and
urban management (or the lack of it), however, also brings about
unwanted consequences.
Jakarta has been well-known for its seasonal but intensified flooding.
Flooding in 2007 affected 80 subdistricts, causing traffic chaos and
paralyzing the city. The Indonesian government estimates that losses
amounted to Rp 4.1 trillion (US$450 million).
Every year, the city government promises to make various efforts to
prevent major floods from inundating the capital city.
Last year, the Jakarta city administration had to allocate Rp 1.36
trillion to support these actions.
With only 9.79 percent of green space in 2010, continuous
overdevelopment inside the catchment areas and nearby rivers that cannot
discharge water into the sea since they are clogged with waste, the city
will have little capacity to absorb a high level of rainfall and prevent
flooding.
Another major but daily headache for Jakartans is the continuous horror
of its traffic. A 2011 study released by the Jakarta Transportation
Agency estimated that traffic congestion costs the city up to Rp 46
trillion a year.
Another figure from the Transportation Ministry claims that congestion
costs Rp 28.1 trillion each year, accounting for wasted fuel,
productivity lost and traffic-induced health problems.
Promises after promises have been made by the city administration to
address these issues and the people of Jakarta have waited long enough
to see if these are going to be put into action.
With the upcoming election of their governor, Jakartans now have a
greater chance to demand more and push the incumbent and other
candidates further to not only promise a better Jakarta but also to come
up with ambitious and clear action plans to improve the city.
Impossible is nothing, says one ad. Jakarta can be changed into a better
and livable place. Jakarta's citizens can ask their government — and the
future government — to learn from the success of cities in other
developing countries.
Mexico City, Bangkok and Rio de Janeiro, for instance, as part of the
commitment by their political leaderships to improve the living
conditions of their citizens, have gradually changed their images for
the better by establishing environmental policies, programs and actions,
developing innovative and creative modes of public transportation, and
instituting a high degree of public participation and engagement in
environment-related issues.
It is now the right time for Jakartans to voice their concerns louder,
by ensuring that they elect the right candidate for the position of
governor.
Being apathetic is not an option, since the immediate and possibly
long-term fate of Jakarta will be decided in this upcoming election.
/
/*The writer is a native Jakartan, doctoral candidate at the Australian
National University and recipient of the Australian Leadership Award and
Allison Sudradjat Award.*
JAKARTA ELECTION, TRUE TEST OF INDONESIAN DEMOCRACY
Izhari Mawardi, CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts | Thu, 03/22/2012
The registration of candidates for the Jakarta governor and vice
governor posts was officially closed on Tuesday. One thing is sure: The
nomination process is an important signal of growing democracy in Indonesia.
Last week, the Golkar Party announced a coalition with the United
Development Party (PPP) and the Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) to nominate
incumbent South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin for the race. The Golkar
Party succumbed to Noerdin's extraordinary feat in leading South Sumatra
during turbulent times, including his effort to make the province a
successful host of the Southeast Asian Games last year.
But two days before the closing date of registration, all eyes were on
political parties, including the Democratic Party (PD) and the
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), which were the only parties able to
designate a gubernatorial candidate without forming a coalition.
One day before the deadline, the split between young Turks and the older
generation at the PKS was resolved. Former People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR) speaker and PKS co-founder Hidayat Nur Wahid prevailed
over Jakarta legislative council deputy speaker Tri Wicaksana, the
preferred candidate of the PKS younger generation.
The PKS named National Mandate Party (PAN) executive Didik J. Rachbini
as Hidayat's running mate.
In a matter of hours, two other candidates entered the race. President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party declared it formed a
coalition of eight parties to nominate incumbent Governor Fauzi Bowo.
A coalition of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and
the Great Indonesian Movement (Gerindra) nominated Surakarta Mayor Joko
Widodo.
What do these four candidates nominated by the political parties have in
common? All the parties have simply adopted a strong, top-down approach,
in which the elites force their will on constituents.
The political intensity in the race for the governor has defied the
flourishing democracy in Indonesia. The Economist Intelligence Unit, a
subsidiary of The Economist magazine, ranks Indonesia 60th out of 167
countries on its world democracy index.
Why is democracy so important?
Mancur Olson said that "in an autocracy, the autocrat will often have a
short time horizon, and the absence of any independent power to assure
an orderly legal succession means that there is always substantial
uncertainty about what will happen when the current autocrat is gone".
Olson's elaboration defined the norms of democracy compared to the
authoritarian counterpart.
Olson's analysis presupposes democracy as a necessary part of a system
that creates certainty and sustainability in governance. The policies on
transportation, workers' rights and minimum wage are among a few that
require sustainability over a long period of time. Each of these
policies is crucial for a better Jakarta. Without a sustainable
leadership and democracy, neither of these policies will last long.
The bitter truth is that Jakarta replicates of Indonesia's flawed
democracy for three reasons.
First, the nomination of each candidate was not conducted in a clear and
transparent manner. The nomination should have been preceded by
primaries or a party convention to nominate best candidates.
Constituents within the party should vote for their desired candidate.
The Democratic Party should have given leeway to decide between Fauzi or
Nachrowi, who chairs the party's Jakarta chapter.
Candidates that were perceived as having strong support, such as the
chairman of Golkar in Jakarta, Prya Ramadhani, Golkar lawmaker
Tantowi Yahya and Alex should have fought for a space on the ticket.
The same should have been the case in the PDIP-Gerindra coalition and
the Muslim-based PKS. The primaries selection in party A will
consolidate the effort to withstand the challenges of party B.
Internal consolidation is important for the sustainability of democracy
in Indonesia. Bowing to nominations made by party chairmen or powerful
boards of patrons is authoritarian and defied the will of rank-and-file
members.
Second, each candidate should have been exposed in a fair debate on
their ideas and platform for Jakarta. Without the division of political
ideology nor access to party primaries, voters do not have access to
information to inform their decision. Separations between the middle
class, elites and lower-wage workers are not clearly defined by a single
party.
Without a debate, candidates for the executive posts are unable to
present themselves in ways that would benefit their credibility in the
eyes of voters. Without an argument between the candidates, constituents
are unable to clearly define what they are seeking from the aspirants.
Third, the constituents should have been given an opportunity to hold a
dialogue with candidates before the definite nominee was selected.
Feedback resulting from dialogue between candidates and constituents is
important to create stronger bonds between the candidates and their
promises.
Jakarta is a symbol of a progressive democracy in Indonesia. If we are
unable to strengthen and improve the flawed democracy in Jakarta, then
the Indonesia's overall democracy is at stake.
/The writer is a graduate student at Harvard University's John F.
Kennedy School of Government./
DON'T LET VOTERS GET FOOLED BY EMPTY PROMISES
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sat, 08/04/2007
*Soeryo Winoto*, Jakarta
On Aug. 8 Jakartans will decide whether Fauzi Bowo or Adang Daradjatun
will lead the capital for the next five years.
Whoever wins the gubernatorial race, it is interesting to learn how the
two candidates have been attracting prospective voters with promises and
political jargon. Almost every corner of the capital city is decorated
(or spoiled?) by banners or posters selling the candidates.
There is a large banner bearing pictures of a candidate and his running
mate, promising to promote and maintain pluralism. Another banner
belonging to the other candidate waves close behind, offering more
promising rhetoric.
Posters supporting the two candidates are stuck on the walls and
electricity poles. One poster promises to end the city's traffic woes,
saying: ""Tired of traffic? Vote for ..."".
Another candidate's poster stuck on an electricity pole outlines the
candidate's determination to promote pluralism, saying: ""Jakarta for all.""
More vigorous are their speeches during campaign stops. A candidate
looks to get sympathy and a positive response from his supporters, who
always yell ""Yes"" whenever he asks the audience if they agreed to free
education.
At another rally, his rival assures supporters of his vision to maintain
and preserve Jakarta as a melting pot for all ethnic groups and races.
As predicted, his supporters also yell ""Yes"".
Do the candidates get sincere and true support from the audience? No one
can guarantee that. The voters will be alone when casting ballots, won't
they?
It is the first ever direct gubernatorial election for the capital city
of Jakarta. No wonder the candidates' style seems to copy political
party officials and presidential candidates from previous campaigns.
They don't have original ideas, just unrealistic promises and political
jargon.
A candidate who offers to ""end traffic problems"", for example, should
be extra careful as he must be aware that dealing with Jakarta traffic
is a tremendous task that needs support from the central government and
neighboring provinces.
Is it an easy job to limit the number of vehicles -- cars and
motorcycles -- in the capital? Is it a simple job to have new roads
built while land is becoming a rare and sensitive commodity?
He must acknowledge that a governor who can deal with traffic problems
within five years -- a governor's term of office -- must be a superman!
Then he thinks that he is a superman!
While a promise that is normative like promoting and keeping pluralism
in Jakarta will obviously also be a big job for the candidate. The
continuing worry of minority groups about being harassed due to their
ethnicity and religion is proof that pluralism is somewhat questioned.
Many may think that Fauzi Bowo has more experience in the city
administration, and thus he may have a better chance than his rival.
However, many other may see that Fauzi, Governor Sutiyoso's deputy, was
part of the bureaucracy that must be held responsible over the series of
failures that took place during Sutiyoso's tenure. The lingering floods
and waste problems, as well as unemployment, could be cited as examples.
On the other hand not many people know about the track record of former
National Police deputy chief Adang Daradjatun. There is also no clear
indication that he can do better than Fauzi in administering
heterogeneous Jakarta.
With the election nearing, Jakartans must calculate who they think and
expect can become the new governor with leadership and managerial skills
better than the outgoing Governor Sutiyoso.
The writer is a journalist based in Jakarta. He can be contacted at
soeryo_winoto@yahoo.com.
/*------------*/
/*J*//*OKOWI CALMS SURAKARTANS ABOUT HIS CANDIDACY*/
The Jakarta Post | Thu, 03/22/2012
Kusumasari Ayuningtyas
From my own pocket: Surakarta Mayor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo distributes
packages of rice to local residents in Jebres district, Surakarta,
Central Java, during a community visit. The rice was purchased with the
budget from his official residence, known as Loji Gandrung, and his
salary as Surakarta mayor, which he says he never withdraws for himself.
JP/Kusumasari AyuningtyasIn a bid to help calm his people regarding his
candidacy for the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial race, Surakarta Mayor
Joko "Jokowi" Widodo decided to meet directly with the city's residents
on Wednesday and explained that his entry into the race was a party
decision that he had to obey.
He went to Bororejo village in Jagalan subdistrict, Jebres district, and
was promptly surrounded by dozens of villagers as he got out of his
official car. They demanded Jokowi remain in Surakarta and finish his
service until the end of his term in 2015.
"I promise you that everything will be much better even if I am not
here," said Jokowi, trying to calm the curious residents as they
expressed their concerns one after another.
In front of Jokowi, they worried about whether the programs that the
mayor had introduced and had carried out would continue if he had to
take leave to pursue his candidacy.
They especially expressed anxiety over the continuation of the Surakarta
people's healthcare (PKMS) program.
One of the villagers, Yus Hernowo, 43, said that from 2007 to the
present, the Boro River that passed through the village continued to
flow freely thanks to Jokowi's policy, leaving behind the recurrent
flooding that previously plagued hit the area.
"I'm especially impressed by the way Jokowi mixes with the people and
listens to their complaints," Yus said.
Another villager, Hamid Sukamto, 57-year-old street vendor, expressed
his gratitude for Jokowi's humane treatment of the city's street vendors.
"We are given spaces [to run a business] and are not abandoned," said
Hamid, who is also a former chairman of the Surakarta street vendor
association.
Responding to the villagers' concerns, Jokowi said that he could not
just ignore the task given to him by his political party, the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
"If I could choose, I would prefer to become a carpenter," said Jokowi,
who previously ran a furniture business before being elected to his
first term as Surakarta mayor in 2005.
After hearing Jokowi's explanation, the villagers said they would give
the mayor their support.
Jokowi then distributed packages of rice to the villagers, as he always
does when making a community visit.
The rice was purchased with funds from his official residence, known as
Loji Gandrung, and his salary as Surakarta mayor, which he never kept
for himself.
Jokowi is currently serving his second year of his second term in
office. He and his running mate, former East Belitung regent Basuki
"Ahok" Tjahja Purnama, registered their candidacy with the Jakarta
General Elections Commission (KPUD) on Monday.
They are backed by the PDI-P, the Great Indonesia Movement Party
(Gerindra) and 24 other smaller political parties.
If the election body approves his registration, Jokowi will have to
temporarily leave Surakarta to live in Jakarta during the campaign period.
Jokowi and Ahok are one of the six candidate pairs to contest the
Jakarta gubernatorial election, which is slated for July 11, 2012.
— JP
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