'Development in the city a success? Nonsense'

'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