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