Activist examines Jakarta warts and all<\/p>\n
Jakarta, Metropolis Tunggang-Langgang (Jakarta, The Helter-
\nSkelter Metropolis)
\nMarco Kusumawijaya, GagasMedia, 2004
\n233 pp<\/p>\n
"Jakarta has made many people frustrated for it fails to be a
\nhome to live in, although it clearly shows its capability to be
\nthat."<\/p>\n
That is how environmental expert Marco Kusumawijaya opens this
\nslim paperback volume. It's provocative, in keeping with Marco's
\nreputation as a nagging thorn in the side of the Jakarta
\nadministration in criticizing its policies.<\/p>\n
Although he may come across as a rabble-rouser to some, the
\nJakarta-Governor Sutiyoso's equivalent of Bush administration
\nnemesis Michael Moore, his sometimes lone voice in the wilderness
\nof yes men and women hits our consciences. And the same can be
\nsaid for this thought-provoking book.<\/p>\n
He is clearly infuriated by the fragmentary policies carried
\nout by the Jakarta administration, and he underlines the poor,
\nhalf-baked planning in almost all sectors of city life.<\/p>\n
Commenting on the bevy of high-cost transportation projects,
\nlike the TransJakarta Busway, monorail and subway, he offers a
\nsimple question: Where to put the pedicab, which is among one of
\nmost non-polluting means of transportation, amid the brouhaha
\nover the new, "luxury" forms of getting around?<\/p>\n
He reacts angrily to the massive and aggressive construction
\nactivities of central business districts, plush malls and upscale
\nindustrial complexes. He lambastes the administration for
\nignoring the need to allocate space for street vendors or provide
\nopen spaces for people to interact with each other.<\/p>\n
Marco also highlights historical aspects in the development of
\nJakarta over its 477-year history, the oldest capital in the
\nSoutheast Asia region.<\/p>\n
He emphasizes that ignorance about history amid the push for
\nchanges in the city's architecture and landscape will lead to
\nJakarta losing its unique identity. Uncontrollable development
\nwill only immerse residents in a deep morass of fatigue, caused
\nby striving for survival in the bustling city while yearning for
\na better quality of life.<\/p>\n
However, as the book is a compilation of Marco's writings
\npublished in newspapers from 2000 to 2004, it reads more like a
\nbrainstorming session of ideas than an in-depth study of the
\nissues.<\/p>\n
The collective force of the articles may bring readers to
\ndesperation point, feeling that Jakarta really is a city without
\nhope.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, Marco, despite his diatribe against all that is
\nwrong with the city, still harbors hope.<\/p>\n
Marco concludes with a prayer which is often whispered in the
\ndaydream of a newborn baby:<\/p>\n
"Insyaallah (God willing)...Wabarakalah. (And God may bless)
\nDo not cry too much
\nDo not get upset too much
\nDon't forget always to remember
\nDon't leave your heart empty
\nDon't let your blood get dirty.
\nPuah. Alhamdullilah. (Thanks God)
\n(Alkatiri, 1999).<\/p>\n
Maybe that is the reason he agreed to run in the 2002 Jakarta
\ngubernatorial election when non-governmental organization Jakarta
\nResidents Forum lent its support to him. For he, like so many
\nfellow Jakartans, wants a better, more humane and hospitable
\ncity, and knows that it's possible. Unfortunately, he failed.
\n -- Damar Harsanto<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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