Canvassing the streets

Canvassing the streets

It's a daily activity for Jakarta residents to gripe and moan
about the deficiencies of the city administration.

Still, it should get credit where it's due for trying
something different, including inviting students from Yogyakarta
and the capital to paint some lively murals on the fortress of
concrete and steel that is Jakarta today.

In place of the posters that usually bedeck the overpass
columns, student artists chose themes that expressed their love
of their country and dismay at its progress.

Unfortunately, the activity was limited to the areas of Cawang
in East Jakarta, and Tomang, and Slipi in West Jakarta, and only
held during the monthlong JakArt festival. It's continuation
would be something to think about in putting a more human,
colorful face on the city.

-- Text and photos by P.J. Leo