Depok today

Depok today

From Jayakarta

We are residents of Depok district, and are quite proud of the
region since its transformation into a shopping and trade site.

We cannot but marvel at the development of coffee shops,
restaurants and shops, along Jl. Margonda Raya in particular.

Come Sunday or public holiday, one could get crushed in the
crowd on Margonda Raya or in the shopping center. We are afraid
to go shopping on holidays. We go on regular working days
instead, when we can shop at ease and enjoy a bite in one of the
coffee shops or restaurants.

We have come to a conclusion based on this situation. First,
it signals that Depok citizens' welfare is improving, because of
the increasing number of visitors at present and because
businessmen are racing to establish stores and restaurants there.
And this does not include Plaza Depok yet, which is almost
completed as well.

Second, these budding business centers will lead to traffic
congestion and increase the risk of road accidents.

The question now is: Is it true that Depok and its
surroundings are prospering? We are really not too sure about
that, since we have discovered that many visitors are not buying
things. They are just window shopping.

Third, the region might become vulnerable to criminal actions.
In order to satisfy one's consumer urge and eat in one of the
restaurants, money is needed. This might lead to acts of petty
crime.

Then, since this region is also known as "student town," Depok
might become an ideal spot for students to hold rendezvous, which
could also encourage them to play truant.

We are putting our aspirations in the hands of planners,
experts, and the authorities as well, so that Depok may truly
develop into a beautiful, prospering town, free of crime. This
sounds quite idealistic, but what is wrong with giving it serious
thought before we all are sorry?

ESKY and ESKA

Depok, West Java