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."