VIVAnews - Aside from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono himself, Vice President Jusuf Kalla is seen as another person behind the failures of the current administration. Kalla is viewed as the symbol of decay of the economic sector.
This was the result of a survey that the National Survey Agency (LSN) conducted with 1,225 respondents in 33 provinces during the period of 10-20 December 2008.
"The public said that the government has failed in the economic sector," LSN Director Umar S. Bakry said on Friday, Dec 26. "Kalla was blamed as the man behind the economic failure," he said.
Based on the survey, 68.7 percent of the respondents were not satisfied with the government's performance in the economic sector. Only 22.4 percent were satisfied.
63.4 percent of the respondents stated that the government failed in controlling prices of primary needs; 65.3 percent said that the government failed in creating employment opportunities; 64 percent believes that the government failed in improving people's welfare.
73.7 percent of the respondents also expected the government to bring about economic progress. This percentage is much higher than the expectations for corruption eradication (11.5 percent); poverty (4.1 percent) and law enforcement (2.8 percent).
In response to the survey, Jusuf Kalla said during a press conference on Friday, Dec 26: "I need to say that none of the government policies were intended to put people in misery."
Kalla also stated that on the contrary, the government had actually alleviated or solved problems, regardless the obstacles. The measures were taken to diminish future suffering. "It's like taking medicine. It may be bitter, but it cures."
He cited the fuel price increase. In his opinion, if fuel prices were not raised two years ago, the country might have gone into bankruptcy.
Andi Mattalata, Minister of Justice and Human Rights as well as Chairman of the Functional Group (Golkar) Party's Central Leadership Council, said that the survey did not have a solid basis.
"The survey must have grounds. People on the streets can always share their opinions," Mattalata told VIVAnews on Friday, Dec 26.
According to Mattalata, it is not yet proven that the country suffers an economic decline. The crowded shopping malls have in fact signaled bettering economy. "There are many luxurious cars on road," he said.
VIVAnews writers Arry Anggadha, Heri Susanto, Beno Junianto, Shinta Eka Puspasari, Purborini contributed in this article.
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