The Bitter Truth: Smooth Idul Fitri Roads a Taste of What Could Be
Without the traffic madness, during Idul Fitri holiday, Jakarta suddenly transformed into a very nice, friendly city.
(JG Photo / Afriadi Hikmal).
Everybody was happy the week just passed. Not only because it was the Idul Fitri holiday, but because the traffic has been so calm.
All of a sudden, we realize that it was the traffic that made us so angry all the time.
Because of the traffic, we curse and are constantly annoyed.
As if waking up early in the morning was not enough, every day we’re caught in a tight schedule, always aware of the ticking clock. “Look, I really want to spend more time with you, but I have to go,” we usually tell our friends.
But look at us now, without the traffic madness, Jakarta suddenly transformed into a very nice, friendly city.
On Thursday night, it took me less than 45 minutes to go from my house to a mall in the Thamrin area. As if he knew what I was thinking, my friend said to me as I approached him, “Jakarta is great now, isn’t it?”
“Yes, indeed!” I replied.
This state of mind should not be a surprise. It has always been like this during the holiday. But perhaps as our economy is growing, more people have more money, so more were able to leave for mudik this year. Last weekend, Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said that as many as 5 million people were leaving the city. He even indicated that an additional 2 million might leave the capital.
Wow! Can imagine that? With 7 million fewer people in this city — more than half the population — it is no surprise that streets have become so empty, which is a good thing for me and many others.
But as the holiday comes to an end, it’s terribly sad and devastating to know that next week I’ll be facing the usual annoying traffic conditions. I cannot believe that for another whole year I have to face those reckless, irresponsible vehicle drivers again.
Thinking about this situation, it is obvious that the population is a major issue in Jakarta. The number of people living in Jakarta during Idul Fitri, in my opinion, is the number that this city is able to accommodate.
During most of the year, there are about 15,000 people in each square kilometer of Jakarta. There are more than 28 million people living in Jakarta and satellite cities including Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi.
After Idul Fitri last year, it was reported that more than 50,000 people moved to the Big Durian to get a better life, but not everyone was lucky and the city’s poor and homeless numbers increased.
Putting blame on the governor’s shoulders will not help the situation. For years, the administration has tried to find people without proper Jakarta identification at bus stations immediately after the holiday, when people start returning to the city. But of course, this is never successful. A rejected person will easily find ways to sneak into Jakarta.
As well as coordinating with the central government, the administration needs to implement stricter rules. Perhaps they should consider putting a big banner around the city borders, saying: “Don’t come here, you’re not wanted!”
Instead of focusing on the things that the government should do to stop people from coming to Jakarta, it is useful if we could share strategies to discourage our family and friends from coming here.
Look, I’m sure you all agree that we enjoy the Idul Fitri traffic conditions. I am sure you are extremely happy to be able to spend hours of your time so efficiently. I mean, you can still be in the shower just 30 minutes before your meeting with friends. How amazing is that? Going from one mall to another turns out to be extraordinarily quick too. Now, that’s what I call a good life.
So perhaps it is time for us to think of the best messages we should tell our family members and friends who are still in on holiday in other cities.
You might want to say this to your cousins: “It’s true that we’re missing you so here. But, as grandmother is getting older, perhaps it will be better if you just live there.”
The government should promote another special economic zone in Sumatera and finish the Java Sumatera bridge earlier. Don't forget to put big banners all over Jakarta, Get out biatxhes, Jakarta's full !
Yes we can do all things, but regardless we still need better/more civilized public transportation and improved infrastructure. It is the government who is simply delaying the process and make it so painful for all of us. Choose our next governor carefully, Jakartans!
- Previous
- 1
- Next
Jakarta Jungle follows the stories and views of individuals from every walk of life in our maddening, bustling, and colorful city.
Schweinsteiger, the Tragic Hero
Hijab, Misunderstood Symbol of Freedom
Being Led by Leaders With a Mentality of Metromini Bus Drivers
Which Kind of Health Insurance Policies Are Necessary?
SSJ100 Accident: Reflections After a Week
Indonesian Cuisine Enthralls in the Midwest USA's Food Festival
Great Sexpectations: The Danger of False Hope of a Budding Relationship
The Endless Effort of Women Survivors
Monkey Mail: No Red Light for Our Police
'Innofashion': Indonesia’s Fashion and Food Fusion Story Continues
@Sabrina I don't think education plays the biggest role here, certainly not unemployment. If parents instill the right values, a grown up m 7:14am | Hijab, Misunderstood Symbol of...
I spend most my adult live abroad and rarely back home to Indonesia .Reason that worth mentioning here what I remember back than non of my relative 8:17pm | Hijab, Misunderstood Symbol of...
@OVOxo: "It should NOT be the Women's responsibilities to change their clothing, but the Men to change their mindset." Oh, how I 6:36pm | Hijab, Misunderstood Symbol of...
i think we can't judge someone from what she wear or bring or believe. the problem is not about a religion but the people. 4:42pm | Hijab, Misunderstood Symbol of...
@SirAKB, well said.
