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