A fresh sense of optimism washed over Indonesia with the inauguration of the President Joko Widodo on Oct. 20.

His new cabinet, which consists of a number of professionals with impressive track records, also give the people a new sense of hope that change has finally come to the country.

“This is indeed a new momentum,” said Danang Parikesit, chairman of Indonesia Transportation Society (MTI) and professor of Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM). “It’s the government that listens, the government that crowd sources for its decisions.”

“It’s now the time for the people to be heard,” added the 49-year-old transportation expert.

Among the most pressing problems Indonesia currently faces are the problems of infrastructures. Round-the-clock traffic jams that happen in many parts of Jakarta is a fine example.

Despite the continuous addition of new buses and the development of overpasses in the capital, the government has yet found the perfect solution to solve the long-existing problem once and for all.

The upcoming raining season also poses a not-so-new threat to the people of Jakarta, who can already easily predict that hundreds of houses and streets will once again be inundated after only a few hours of rain.

Meanwhile, the remote pockets of the archipelago continue to have limited access to electricity and clean water.

But what is the best way to convey our grievances to the government?

Alan Solowiejczyk, director of Infrastructure Asia, devised a plan to present the people of Indonesia with a social media survey, through they can voice their concerns and offers their solutions for the country’s infrastructure dilemma.

Infrastructure Asia, a unit of the international media conglomerate Tarsus Group, has been working closely together with the Indonesian government for over four years in organizing the annual trade show, “Indonesia Infrastructure Week,” which this year will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) this week from Wednesday through Friday.

“[With a social media survey], we’re opening up the dialogue on infrastructure to a wider audience,” said Solowiejczyk. “And that’s where we’re going to take the survey. We’re going to ask very simple questions to the people of Indonesia.”

Danang added that the online questionnaire was carefully developed by academics and experts in the field, but was still “simple and easy to understand.”

The survey is now available at Saatnyadidengar.org.

The site’s title, “Saatnya Didengar,” translates to “It’s Time to be Heard” and aptly describes the aim of the project.

Danang’s “simple” description of the survey was indeed an understatement; the website consists of only two questions, the first of which asking respondents which sector they would focus on if they were in an influential, government position. The choices provided include irrigation, clean water, communications and the Internet, transportation, infrastructure and sanitation.

“So, we’re trying to bring a grassroot approach to what’s typically been a high-level topic,” Solowiejczyk said.

“Because infrastructure is not a high-level topic. It’s [actually] very simple. It’s about better lives for all Indonesians.”

The survey then asks respondents to name the specific struggles they face in their own regions, as well as the solutions they can offer for these problems. Through this quick yet straightforward format, Infrastructure Asia is encouraging people to not merely complain about their current situations, but also be a part of the resolution.

Registration is required to make your opinions known, but participants may also sign up via Facebook or Twitter.

“Social media is now booming in Indonesia, which makes it an efficient way to reach a wider audience,” said Danang.

To further appeal to Internet-driven millennials of the country, the company added an interactive element to the questionnaire.

“When you first register and fill out the survey, you will get 10 points,” said Danang. “And when one of your friends also fills out the survey [whose link is shared by you on your social media], you will get another 10 points.”

Respondents who accumulate the most points will win tickets to attend the “Saatnya Didengar” concert, which will take place on the final day of “Indonesia Infrastructure Week” on Friday at Hall B of JCC.

The two-hour show, which will feature a slew of Indonesian’s top musical artists, is especially staged for winners of the survey — no tickets will be available for sale.

The social media survey will select 2,000 winners, each of whom will receive two tickets.

“It’s definitely more than a concert,” said Boogie Tedjowinoto, producer and program director of “Saatnya Didengar.”

The list of talents to perform at the show includes French-based Indonesian singer-songwriter Anggun, pop singer Rossa, winner of X Factor Indonesia Fatin Shidqia Lubis and Indonesian Idol season seven winner Regina Ivanova.

“I’m indeed very lucky to be included in this concert,” said pop singer Rossa. “It feels like being at the starting point of making Indonesia better for everyone.”

President Joko, Vice President Jusuf Kalla and several ministers are also scheduled to attend the performance.

“Hopefully, the government officials attending the concert will also get the message and improve the country’s infrastructure for all of us,” Rossa added.

The musical showcase will be divided into five specially themed chapters, representing the five principles of Indonesia’s core tenets, the Pancasila.

Besides the above-mentioned top celebrities, the concert will also feature prominent local and international NGOs that have made their mark on the country, including The Wahid Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes a peaceful Islam and pluralism; Simavi, an international development group focusing on basic health services; and Indonesia Bangun Desa, a non-profit program aimed at improving the basic infrastructure of the country’s remote villages.

“Representatives of each NGO will discuss their work in Indonesia,” Boogie said. “With these talks, we hope that the audience will also be moved to do something for their surroundings too.”

To complete the impressive line up of guest speakers, a number of Indonesian actors and actresses will also be sharing their ideas and concerns over the nation’s lackluster infrastructure.

“Indonesian people actually have a high level of nationalism,” actress Shireen Sungkar said. “We care a lot about what’s happening to our country. But we often don’t know how to voice our concerns in the right way. Now we can do so through Saatnyadidengar.org.”

The concert will also air on Berita Satu TV and RTV on Friday, while winners of the project will be announced on Wednesday.

With a few quick clicks of the mouse and taps of the keyboard, Indonesia’s Internet user can stand the chance to be a part of a greater change. Your voice can help transform our nation’s infrastructure for the better.

Source : http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/features/new-survey-aims-shake-nation/