A time for relaxation

A time for relaxation

Air pollution is one of the main concerns of people living in
Jakarta, and one of the reasons that people prefer spending time
in air conditioned shopping malls rather than recreating
outdoors.

As it becomes aware of these concerns, the city administration
has issued several policies to reduce air pollution in hopes of
encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors.

One policy includes the ban on vehicle traffic in the fast
lanes of main streets Jl. Jend. Sudirman and MH Thamrin every
Sunday morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

As a result, the streets, which are jam packed with cars
during weekdays appear more like an amusement park during those
four hours, where young and old people exercise and have fun.

Many also continue their stroll to the Selamat Datang
(Welcome) monument -- the city's landmark -- at the Hotel
Indonesia traffic circle, which is supposedly off-limits for
pedestrians during weekdays.

- Texts and photos by P.J. Leo

Photo A: Relaxation

Four girls relax at the welcome monument after taking a stroll
around the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.

Photo B: Relaxation

Jl MH Thamrin transforms every Sunday into a soccer ground.

Photo C: Relaxation

A group of bicyclists strike a pose. All bicycles are banned on
JL. Sudirman and Thamrin during weekdays.

Photo D: Relaxation

What a day for a daydream...

Photo E: Relaxation

It is also a time for babies and mothers to get out and recreate.

Photo F: Relaxation

... and for serious rollerblade teams