Canceling sticker system

Canceling sticker system

From Media Indonesia

Mr. Governor, your readiness to cancel the planned introduction of the car sticker system due to popular objections proves that you are a leader of people, not their ruler. Your stance is worthy of appreciation and is an example to all leaders in our republic.

In a state based on Pancasila, the notion that money can buy anything, including the right to drive a private car down a public road, is not appropriate.

Mr. Governor, your intention to reduce the number of private automobiles on the road so that common people, who usually travel by public transport, may have the opportunity to enjoy traveling more comfortably along highways can be realized without requiring people to purchase an Rp 5,000 sticker.

Let me suggest the following.

Jalan Sudirman and Jalan MH Thamrin have five lanes. Two slow lanes and three fast lanes. Traffic congestion is not attributable to traffic density alone, but also to the fact that private cars usually pack the slow lanes, which are intended for public vehicles. As such, public vehicles, which take the common people, cannot provide their best service.

So, why not prioritize public vehicles?

The two slow lanes can be devoted to private automobiles wishing to turn left.

Two of the three fast lanes can be allocated to public vehicles, with the exception of cars taking the President, the Vice President, high-ranking state officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

The remaining fast lane, the furthest right, could be used by private cars wishing to turn right.

In this way, public vehicles would be able to travel freely because they would not be obstructed by other vehicles.

We can be sure that the number of private cars on these two roads will eventually be reduced as a consequence because of two reasons:

Private car lanes will become very congested once all vehicles are confined to two lanes. This congestion will be compounded at every bus stop by a steady stream of people crossing the slow lanes to board public transport vehicles, or going to the pavement after getting off.

One very important condition must however be fulfilled. Enough public transport vehicles, bus shelters, and safe and convenient crossing bridges must be provided so that owners of private cars, albeit forced, will eventually take to public transport.

It is my hope that my ideas be given proper consideration.

HDH KADIR

Jakarta