'Development in the city a success? Nonsense'

There are numerous problems facing Jakarta, which just celebrated its 475th anniversary. Among these problems are poor public services, a public transportation system that barely seems to work and a feeling among residents that their lives and personal property are always in danger. Despite what might seem to some as a hopeless situation, Jakartans are trying to remain optimistic that some day life in the city will improve.

Adeline Nasution, 28, an employee at a department store on Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta. She has lived in the capital since 1985.

Each year, in celebration of the city's anniversary, the administration boasts about how successful development in the city has been. I think it's nonsense.

Sure, development has been a success if the yardstick is the construction of skyscrapers.

But we must admit that there have been no significant improvements in terms of public service. Take a look at the notorious public transportation system.

I'd rather live in a city which has few skyscrapers but provides excellent public services for residents.

I think that the city, in its 475th year, must work harder.

Joni, 15, a student at a high school in Central Jakarta. He was born in Jakarta.

What do I expect from the city? Security is one of the most important things the city must improve. Why do I say that? It's because I've experienced it myself. A hoodlum robbed me when I was on my way to school.

Second, I want a city which has more open space for teenagers. My friends and I have difficulty when we want to play soccer or softball in my neighborhood, which has no field.

And the city should provide space for teenagers free of charge because we don't have any money.

Abdul Sattar Ali, 50, the owner of a money changer, a Betawi (native Jakartan) and a gubernatorial candidate. He lives in Kemanggisan, West Jakarta.

I hope in the future Jakarta can be more orderly. Street vendors, for example, could be provided with specific areas (where they could operate). The city administration plays the most important role in providing such a facility to informal traders.

Informal traders, along with formal traders, including big businesspeople, will contribute to economic recovery in the city after the prolonged economic crisis.

Besides the economy, I hope security can be maintained and even improved. This is important to keep the economy going.

Ria, 35, an employee at an office on Jl. Thamrin and a mother of two. She lives in Serpong, Tangerang.

I just wish Jakarta could improve its public transportation system, especially the old buses, which give a bad impression of the city.

We have to fight to get on a bus, especially during rush hours. And it's not safe on the buses because there are lots of pickpockets. We have to take care of our belongings, such as our cellular phones and wallets.

Maybe the city administration could also take over the management of the electric train, which is currently managed by the central government.

I hope that in the future, the city will have a subway system like all the other big cities in the world. It would be helpful for residents, especially employees who have to travel a lot, like me. -- JP