Attitude of Jakartans today

Attitude of Jakartans today

From Warta Kota

Jakarta may be celebrating its 474th anniversary, but the attitude of its residents has not changed for the better. On the contrary, Jakartans have become increasingly unsympathetic. The city of Jakarta has become a repository for everything bad, such as crime, corruption, collusion, nepotism and a "Why should I bother" attitude.

An example is the complete indifference of the public during an emergency. For instance, recently, on my way home from the office, my bus stalled on Jl. Salemba Raya. Not a single passenger got off the bus to help push start it. I wonder what kept them rooted to their seats. Was it because they feared they would lose their prestige or that they simply lacked a sense of sympathy for other peoples' misfortunes? "Why should I care. I have paid for the ride!" With an attitude like this, they are not inclined to help others in times of difficulty. Meanwhile the bus conductor was helpless as he was unable to push the bus himself.

As is often the case, a stalled bus only needs a little push to restart its engine. So if only the men in the bus were willing to give a helping hand, the bus would have started again and the passengers could have continued with their journey sooner.

What our society lacks nowadays seem to be a sense of brotherhood and solidarity.

BAMBANG SUDIRMAN

Jakarta