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Great cities are defined as much as by their economic prowess as by their public places. Capital cities also represent their nations and mirror the hopes, dreams and aspirations of their people.

It is thus no wonder that great cities build monuments that project their sense of place in the world. These monuments become magnets for people to gather both in times of triumph as well as during national tragedies. Indonesia’s National Monument, or Monas, commemorates the nation’s independence, and perhaps defines Jakarta as no other structure does.

The city administration has in recent years spent heavily to beautify the park that surrounds Monas, so that Jakartans have a place to go to relax and connect with the city. It is also a place where festivals, carnivals and demonstrations take place so it is only fitting that citizens do their part to keep the monument clean and preserve it.

Unfortunately that has not been the case. Piles of rubbish have compelled the city and state governments to mobilise 4,500 personnel consisting of Central Jakarta government officials, members of the TNI, Police, and community organizations to clean up the Monas area. That it required so many to clean up speaks volumes about the lack of civic mindedness amongst us.

Ultimately we must ask ourselves what kind of capital we want. If we want a city that is clean, safe and respected, we must do our part by keeping clean public places such as parks and monuments. We fully agree with Central Jakarta Mayor Saefullah that it is the responsibility of everyone, both the government and the people of Jakarta, to keep the city clean.

He added that the clean up action on Friday would not be limited to Monas but would expand to other areas in Central Jakarta. It is also reassuring to hear the army say it is willing to help out not just by helping secure our monuments but also by participating in large clean up efforts.

Keeping Jakarta clean and green, however, will require the efforts of all of us. That includes not throwing thrash on the streets and in the rivers; it includes not polluting our natural environment; and it requires us to respect public spaces and monuments. Civic mindedness must be ingrained in us from childhood . That is the only way we can keep livable the city we call home.