'Celebrations should be modest'<\/p>\n
Jakarta is celebrating its 478th anniversary, which fell on June
\n22, with a series of events until next month. Many people say the
\nadministration should put its money into improving public
\nservices, rather than buying fireworks. The Jakarta Post asked
\nresidents for suggestions on how Jakarta could become a more
\nlivable city.<\/p>\n
Komet, 29, is an employee of a private company in Kebayoran
\nLama district, South Jakarta. He lives in a boarding house in
\nSetiabudi subdistrict, also in South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Well, to make things better for both residents and visitors I
\ncan think of many things that should be done. Considering this,
\nthe city's anniversary should be celebrated modestly.<\/p>\n
Traffic jams remain a major problem that costs Jakartans time
\nand money. Meanwhile, the city administration has been unable to
\nformulate policies that really address what is going on.<\/p>\n
Another problem is air pollution.<\/p>\n
Jakarta continues to be one of the world's most heavily
\npolluted cities. Next year, all public transportation in the city
\nwill use more environmentally friendly fuel. At least, that's
\nwhat they say, I have not seen any preparatory steps being made.<\/p>\n
The most shameful of Jakarta's realities is the malnutrition
\ncases here. With a city budget of over Rp 14 trillion (US$1.47
\nbillion), the administration could surely to better. It needs to
\nrevise its health care programs, so that all children have
\nnutritious diets.<\/p>\n
Haryono, 32, is a public transportation driver. He lives with
\nhis wife and three children in Kebon Jeruk subdistrict, West
\nJakarta:<\/p>\n
To be honest, I didn't know Jakarta was celebrating its 478th
\nanniversary until I heard it from you. Nevertheless, I have my
\nown ideas for improving things -- better wages, no fee increases
\nand steady staple-food prices.<\/p>\n
A driver like me is always in a weak position.<\/p>\n
The number of vehicles on my route is steadily increasing.
\nThis condition has caused my income to drop as competition among
\nus (drivers) becomes tougher and tougher. I hope the City
\nTransportation Agency does not issue more vehicle permits for
\nthis route.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/celebrations-should-be-modest-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }