'I feel apathetic about problems with the city'<\/p>\n
The city's 476th anniversary is celebrated with various
\nactivities intended to entertain all the city's residents.
\nHowever, not all residents are enthusiastic as it is deemed a
\nwaste of money. Some shared their feelings with The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Cahyo, 34, is an employee with a private company on Jl. Radio
\nDalam, South Jakarta. He lives in Pamulang, Tangerang, with his
\nwife and daughter:<\/p>\n
I have been living in Jakarta since I was at junior high
\nschool.<\/p>\n
At that time the activities to celebrate the city's
\nanniversary were so meaningful and really close to the hearts of
\nevery city resident. The festivities were down to earth and held
\nin a friendly atmosphere.<\/p>\n
The current celebration of the city's anniversary is
\nmeaningless to me. Actually it is not necessary to celebrate it
\nnow as it is contrary to the economic slump. The series of
\ncelebrations are only meant to entertain the middle-income
\npeople. It is just a waste of money.<\/p>\n
It would be better to celebrate the city's anniversary by
\ndisbursing humanity aid to the majority of low-income residents.<\/p>\n
Having a glamorous celebration with lights on the streets will
\nnot at all improve the city's condition, I'm sure. Instead, they
\nonly favor the rich who get the projects.<\/p>\n
I personally feel disappointed about the recent condition of
\nthe city. I have lost my sense of belonging to the city.<\/p>\n
I feel a bit apathetic now towards the city, including the
\nanniversary, due to the incompetent leaders.<\/p>\n
Dodi, 23, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who operates in
\nGlodok, West Jakarta. He lives in Jembatan Lima, West Jakarta,
\nwith his relatives:<\/p>\n
Living here is not easy. We have to struggle hard to survive
\nevery day amid the tougher competition now.<\/p>\n
I don't know why the city government continues to commemorate
\nthe city anniversary lavishly despite the economic downturn among
\nthe low-income people.<\/p>\n
It will not at all lure more people to ride my motorcycle. I'm
\nsure my income will not increase in conjunction with the
\nanniversary.<\/p>\n
I'm not interested in the festivities since they are
\nunattractive. It would be better to work as usual rather than to
\nenjoy the entertainment.<\/p>\n
I believe that earning a daily income is much more important
\nrather than having fun in the celebrations.<\/p>\n
Anwar, 25, is a security officer at a supermarket in Slipi
\nJaya, West Jakarta. He lives in Ciledug, Tangerang, with his
\nfamily:<\/p>\n
I agree that Jakarta is a real untamed city due to the
\nhardship of life. However, the city is getting wilder and worse
\nin many ways. Every low-income earner will not disagree with
\nthat.<\/p>\n
Therefore, I just wonder why people, I mean the rich and the
\ncity's high ranking officials, are busy with the activities to
\nhold parties to celebrate the anniversary?<\/p>\n
On the other hand, most of city residents live in poverty.<\/p>\n
They are just wasting money for fun and meaningless activities
\nthat do not help the poor.<\/p>\n
I'm not interested at all in the celebration this year. I lost
\nmy enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
In the past, the celebration was meaningful and attractive. I
\nenjoyed them. Many city residents flocked to the entertainment
\nspots, especially when it was held at Monas (National Monument
\nPark). It was more reachable and attractive compared to the new
\nvenue at the Kemayoran fairgrounds where the Jakarta Fair is held
\nnow. It is very far and far less safe to go there.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-feel-apathetic-about-problems-with-the-city-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }