'Car ownership limitation not a good policy'

Governor Sutiyoso warned the public early this year that, in 10 more years, traffic would virtually be at a standstill in Jakarta, if the rich kept on buying new cars. However, recent data from the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo) shows that while 354,311 cars were sold last year, this year's sales target reaches 420,000 units. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue.

Santosa, 39, is the employee of a private company. He lives with his family in Serpong, Tangerang but his office is on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta.

To buy a car is a person's right. That's why I disagree if there is a limitation on car ownership to ease traffic congestion. I don't think it's a good policy.

If the government wants to resolve the problem of traffic congestion, it must provide suitable public transportation for commuters. People prefer to drive their cars as public transport is not reliable.

I prefer to park my car at home as, although it's crowded, I go to work on the train.

I take the Sudirman executive train, which departs from Serpong and ends up in Manggarai (South Jakarta). The only problem is that the train is often late as the railway track is a single one.

Mujadi, 30, works at a computer shop in Glodok, West Jakarta. He lives with his family in Sudimara, Tangerang:

I don't think the government can ban people from buying cars. Since I can't afford to buy a car, the policy on car production limitation is not relevant to me anyway. However, I support the policy, if it goes ahead, as it is very important to ease traffic congestion. There wouldn't be as many cars on the streets.

However, we must also question whether the rich are actually prepared to travel by train or board public buses. I don't think so.

Perhaps the government should impose higher taxes for car owners, if it wants to discourage people from buying cars.

At the same time, the government must also provide more comfortable public transportation, including commuter trains serving Greater Jakarta and city buses. I think the busway will only serve its purpose if the city administration develops more routes.

-- The Jakarta Post