'Bad traffic makes us unreliable'

The government has appealed to the public to cut back fuel consumption in order to save energy. It has also reduced lighting along the city's thoroughfares and in parks. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their reaction to the campaign.

Felicia Pasla, 28, lives in East Jakarta.

Save energy? I am in support of the government's appeal. We should get our priorities straight.

First, saving energy means saving money. Second, it is very important for the next generation to be left with natural resources. Third, saving energy is a way of saving the environment.

So, for the purpose of saving energy I am turning off lights that don't need to be on. If someone offers me a ride, I leave my car at home and, if possible, I ride a bicycle.

Indria Febriani, 31, runs her family's business in Jakarta. She lives in the southern part of the city.

In response to the government's appeal for energy conservation, traveling on public transportation is one way of helping. However, I am sorry to say, public transportation in Indonesia is perhaps the worst among Southeast Asian countries.

For example, Singaporeans can go to five different places a day on public transportation -- and they make it on time. Singapore provides good public services, including a reliable public transportation system.

But in Jakarta, the bad traffic makes us unreliable as we can't promise to be anywhere on time.

There is no way I would ride a bus in Jakarta because I'm afraid of thieves who operate on board.

The only alternative means of transportation for the time being, besides my own car, are taxis.

--The Jakarta Post