Car free campaign gets cold reception

Car free campaign gets cold reception

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Held the day after the government raised fuel prices by an
average of 126 percent, the antipollution Car Free Day campaign
failed to attract much attention on Sunday.

Although city transportation officials closed down the fast
lane along Jl. Thamrin from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., very few people
took advantage of this rare opportunity to stroll or cycle along
the street.

The annual campaign organized by the city administration and
several environmental organizations is aimed at reducing air
pollution by encouraging the public to minimize the use of
private vehicles.

However, there were more cars passing along the lanes that
remained open on Jl. Thamrin than there were people participating
in the campaign.

"We had fewer participants than last year. But this was only
meant to introduce similar programs that we plan for the future,"
said Jakarta's environmental management board representative,
Dermawan Sembiring.

He said that by February 2006, the administration hoped to
introduce a similar monthly program involving more of Jakarta's
main streets.

Despite the lack of excitement generated by the campaign,
several people from the Batavia Cyclist Community participated in
the event, pedaling their antique bicycles along Jl. Thamrin.
There was also a soccer competition held in front of the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel, as well as a coloring contest and live
performances by a number of bands.

"They should offer more exciting events next time to get more
people to the venue," said one visitor, Nuning. "A campaign like
this needs more appealing packaging."