Jeirry Sumampauw is the country coordinator for the People’s Voter Education Network, or JPPR. Although he has lived in Jakarta for 20 years, Jeirry prefers to think of himself as a visitor to the city rather than a permanent resident. When Camelia Pasandaran interviewed him by phone, he was on vacation in Puncak, West Java Province, with his wife and two daughters.
Are you from Jakarta?
No, I’m not. I was born in a small village in Minahasa, North Sulawesi Province, and spent my childhood and teenage years there.
When and why did you move to the capital?
I moved to Jakarta in 1989. I was only supposed to accompany my grandmother who wanted to visit her child in Jakarta. So I came to this city with her, but I did not return. A year later, I started to study at Jakarta Seminary College (STT Jakarta) just because my aunt, a pastor, wanted me to register there. I never wanted to be a pastor. So, my moving here was not by design.
What made you choose politics over being a pastor?
After I studied at STT Jakarta, I think that I wanted to be a pastor in a remote area, not in a city. After I graduated from the seminary, I felt let down by the synod, and I gave up the opportunity to be a pastor. But sometimes, I preach in churches. Basically, it’s not that different. Being a pastor, you have to read the Bible, and being a politician you have to understand the law.
How do you like working with non governmental organizations?
I’m not the type of person to have a regular job, working in an office. I have always enjoyed working for NGOs. My first experience was as a project officer at the Interfaith Dialogue Society, which led me to my work now at JPPR. Though financially it’s not very rewarding, I enjoy working there. I told my wife from the beginning that I was not destined to live a life of luxury.
What’s your vision as the head of JPPR?
I want Indonesia to be a “real” democratic country. By supervising the electoral process, we can play a significant role by ensuring democracy is consistently upheld. I see JPPR as society’s representative, urging the authorities to run the country along democratic principles.
What do you dislike most about the city?
The streets. Various people take advantage on the streets in negative ways, such as policemen and street singers. For example, the police use Lebaran to get money from those who break the traffic regulations. The other thing I dislike about living here is the heat and the bad pollution.
How do you get around Jakarta?
Most of the time, I use my motorcycle. Besides it is the only vehicle I can afford. It’s perfect for avoiding traffic jams in the city. It’s much more maneuverable than a car. Sometimes I use the busway.
What do you think of the plan to provide a special lane for motorcyclists?
I don’t think it’s going to work well. Motorcyclists are not disciplined because the government is never consistent in applying the regulations. Just look at the busway now, it’s getting worse and worse. At peak hours, the buses are so crowded. People still use it because they have no other option for traveling quickly from one place to another, but it’s not comfortable at all.
What would you do if you were governor?
I would reform the bureaucracy. The city’s local government officers have to be more serious about creating a sense of belonging among Jakarta residents. That’s the most vital thing. But most of the officers themselves have no sense of belonging. They lack spirit and do not adapt to modern technology, with money being their only motivation to work. We need to reform the system.
What do you consider to be the happiest time of your life?
My childhood back in my village. I spent a time a lot playing in plantations and swam in the river which is impossible now. My teenage years were also unforgettable. I used to climb mountains, mostly in West Java, every weekend. Sometimes I slept in church in the middle of the service because I was too tired after hiking.
Where do you spend your leisure time?
I go to cafes that provide free Internet connection with my friends. I love to chat with them, but it’s mostly work related. I also play badminton with my friends at STT Jakarta twice a week in the evenings.
Your favorite place to eat?
Manadonese restaurants. Sometimes I go to a restaurant near my office in Kramat V. I don’t know the name of it. Sometimes I go to Tinoor restaurant in Gondangdia.
Jeirry Sumampauw was talking to Camelia Pasandaran