When Fauzi Bowo said he was the best person to lead Jakarta two years ago, no one doubted it.
As a bureaucrat within the Jakarta administration for nearly 30 years, he was supposed to be an expert capable of solving difficult problems in the capital city - chaotic traffic, annual flooding, undelivered piles of garbage, poor public services, poverty and others.
Therefore, it was no surprise to find him winning the 2007 gubernatorial election. Fauzi and deputy governor Prijanto were sworn in on Oct. 7, 2007 after defeating Adang Daradjatun and his running mate Dani Anwar in the first-ever direct election in the city. Fauzi received support from nearly all political parties in the city, with the exception of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), during the election.
Two years after the election, unfortunately, Jakartans still cannot see any of the significant changes promised by Fauzi. Traffic congestion is even worse compared to two years ago because of the stagnancy of projects aimed at easing traffic flow.
Large tracts of the city are still under threat of annual flooding because of the sluggish progress of the East Flood Canal (BKT) project, the largest flood mitigation project in the city. His failure to address these two problems is enough reason to give him a red ink progress report for his two years in office, because both have caused suffering to many city residents.
Although it is surely unfair to demand that Fauzi solve all of the city's complex problems within just two years, we Jakartans are frustrated to see the city administration has introduced no policies or programs to address these two major problems.
Your comments:
Fauzi Bowo is not a good administrator despite his nearly 30 years as a bureaucrat within the Jakarta administration. However, the traffic problem, as in many larger towns and cities in Indonesia (and for that matter in most Southeast Asian countries) is mainly caused by the enormous increase in motorcycles.
These motorcycles clog up traffic flow as does the trash in the city's drainage system. Perhaps, a well functioning public/private sector mass transport system may work? As for the East Flood Canal (BKT) project: The delays, as I understand it, are mainly caused by land acquisition problems, corruption and demands for nonbudgeted payments from the main contracting firms and the many subcontractors.
Jose Dinoy
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
Rainy season is around the corner and the notorious floods and severe traffic jams are to be expected. Plastic bags are certainly one of the main causes of the flood. To minimize the use of plastic bags, Governor Fauzi should ban all supermarkets and shops from providing plastic bags for free to their customers.
Take Holland for example, every time we go to shops or supermarkets, we must bring our own plastic bags. Otherwise we must buy them.
Robby Kaware
Jakarta
As a Jakartan, I have just several things to say to Governor Fauzi. First, guarantee the availability of basic needs for all people living in Jakarta and Greater Jakarta.
Second, provide us with a reliable transportation system - a train based system (MRT, subway etc), which is supported by a reliable busway. Garage other buses and issue selective riding licenses for motorcyclists. And, ensure a flood-free metropolitan
Henrihalim
Jakarta
I don't believe if anyone says that Jakarta's problems will be solved quickly. It's not easy! Even if Fauzi or Adang are selected as governor. To solve Jakarta's problem need the best timing, and the best person. Not all problems can't be solved instantly!
Nurhadi
Salatiga, Central Java
