Corruption, Economy Guide Indonesian Voters

IslamOnline.net interviewed several Indonesians of all walks of life to talk about the issues on their minds before Election Day, based on which they will make their election choices.

Here are their views on the performance of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government and hopes for the future.

Tri Handhono, IT Technician 

I hope the battle against corruption is continuing. Eradicating corruption is the most significant achievement of the current government that I appreciate it. But it’s not enough. We must have stronger governance, which is determined by qualified individuals who are holding the authority. We must also have stronger parliament to be an effective watchdog of the government. So I will choose a party which is able to make it possible.

This parliamentary election is very important to choose qualified lawmakers. I prefer to vote for the Islamic Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) because many of well- educated and high moral qualified figures came from the party.

With highly-qualified parliament members, I hope they can supervise the government effectively in order to keep it on the right track, which in turn lead to the prosperity of the people. 

Beverly Zacharias, an employee in communication company 

I initially intended not to vote, but I change my mind. Even though I am not interested in any party, it’s better for me to vote rather than having no stand.

Honestly, I am bored from listening to their promises. I have been fed up with their bullshits, actually. I don’t expect too much from the election, at least for me. If they even can bring better environment in Indonesia is enough. I want only to keep working and enjoy my current life, that’s all.  

I think the existing government is not bad. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been on the right track over the past five years in strengthening security and political stability. Not much political turmoil happened during his presidency. I think President Yudhoyono is eligible to extend his next five year presidency.

I don’t like religious based parties to lead the country. As a Christian, I want to be treated equally.

Anan Nurdin, an Islamic school teacher

The election can hopefully bring the leaders who have conscience.

I am really disappointed with the flourishing phenomenon of uneducated people nominating themselves as candidates for parliament. They even don’t know what they are going to do with their position in parliament.

I believe that the Islamic party PKS is representing my hope. Besides having Islamic principle and spirit, its members are professional, simple leaving, well-educated and honest. As an Islamic school teacher, the spirit of Islam in our daily life is needed.

I am also feeling bored with the secularism phenomenon occupying televisions, radio and life style of the teenagers here. If the Islamic party wins or gets significant seats in the parliament, then I hope they could make regulation based on Islamic values. In long term, our children would take the benefit.

Hadjito Warno, journalist 

I want this country free from fears. I want also the next government not to be under a shadow of foreign countries. We must stand on our own feet.

Moreover, the next government and parliament members must focus on people education to boost our human resources.

So, we need a party that has a long-term vision to uphold Indonesian dignity and capacity. Indonesia is still being a backward nation compared with our neighbors. It’s because our parliament remains dominated by secular parties, which are very pragmatic in making regulation.

We need changes. We should give Islamic parties a chance to be more influencing in parliament by voting for those parties. More Islamic parties’ representatives in the parliament mean more Islamic legislative products to be made. 

Balan Piawai, a website designer

This is the first time for me to participate in the election.

I want to be realistic that million Indonesians are jobless now. Looking for a job is not easy. So, for me, any party that can give us more job opportunities is good to be chosen.

I am also interested in choosing a party that is able to reduce the gap between the have and the have-not.

The performance of the current government is quite good in term of strengthening security and eradicating corruption. If this condition could be maintained that would be enough for me.

I need a favorable environment in order to be more convenience in working. I plan to get married on next October so I hope for no political changes.

Sumarni Slamet, a small-food-shop owner

I have not decided yet which party I am going to choose. My family hereditary chooses Golkar Party.

I don’t care about the slogans and promises of the parties in the campaigns. Tomorrow I am just going to the polling station and vote what my families choose for, that’s all.

The most important thing for me is my business continually running well.

I hope for no riot, like in 1998, or political conflict so we can live peacefully and conveniently.