If no surprises are sprung, Sutiyoso should be re-elected as Jakarta's chief executive this week. With the support of the PDI-P and the Golkar Party in the local legislative assembly, on paper at least, he should have the governorship firmly in his pocket. However, just as in soccer, the theory off the field and what transpires in practice can sometimes turn out to be at odds.

For Sutiyoso, the primary potential obstacle that could derail h