Hustle-and-bustle creeps back onto Jakarta streets
JAKARTA (JP): After two weeks of tension, the capital returned to its routine daily hustle-and-bustle yesterday.
The city, recently paralyzed by riots, arson and looting with some streets blocked by heavily-armed security forces, once again experienced traffic congestion at most intersections.
The scenes of large crowds of commuters queuing for public transportation also colored the capital's activities yesterday.
Most offices, schools, universities and factories returned to normal business activities again.
"I hope the nightmare is over so we can have time to return to our daily business activities," said an executive of a private firm who had just returned from Singapore after taking shelter there during the riots.
At many places, workers could be seen repairing burned or damaged buildings.
At riot-torn Glodok and Ciledug, the worst-hit areas during the May 14 turmoil, business owners and their employees started to clean up the debris scattered throughout the shops.
Some whose property was totally destroyed only visited the site, debating whether they should start their businesses again.
"I can't believe that hard times have come to my life again," said Henry Widjaja while looking at his gutted electronics store at Glodok.
While most shopping centers tried to pick up the pieces, traditional markets in the greater Jakarta area enjoyed brisk business with some traders raising the prices of their goods.
Large crowds were seen in Jatinegara and Cililitan in East Jakarta, Senen and Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta, Blok M in South Jakarta and Mangga Dua in North Jakarta.
Dozens of tired security personnel were seen on guard at a few buildings, such as the House of Representatives and bank offices on the city's main thoroughfares of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta.
Access to the National Monument Square and vital government buildings, including the Presidential Palace and ministerial offices, were opened up since the weekend.
Over the past two weeks, the area was heavily secured by military troops and armored vehicles.
Entertainment
Most entertainment spots, including those in the downtown Kota area, were open again yesterday and Sunday evening.
"This is the first day we reopened but only a few people have come in," said a parking attendant.
The first working day after a two-week break, many people discussed the country's political turmoil.
Some said they feared that the calm may not last long since many government critics opposed the appointment of President B.J. Habibie.
Long lines of customers, waiting to withdraw their money, could be seen at BCA branches and automatic teller machines in and around the city in the past few days.
Chinese Indonesians and expatriates continued to return to the country after taking refuge overseas from the unrest, according to airport officials.
They said that the number of arrivals would reach its peak this week.
Unlike their departure last week, many people who arrived at the airport beginning Sunday brought little luggage.
"I returned just to see the possibilities for me to go on with my business here. I will only stay for few days," said Karya Mulyadi of Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
Karya, a father of three daughters, said his family remained at his relative's house in Singapore for safety reasons.
The owner of an electronics business on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta, said that although his store was not burned he lost most of its contents to looters.
"I don't mind starting the business all over again. All that matters to me is that my family is safe," he said.
An airport official said there were no extra flights scheduled to compensate for the increased influx.
"It's different from the exodus during which airlines had to prepare at least two extra flights for the same destination," Mira, the airport's information official, said.
Most of the returning people admitted that they had come back because Soeharto had resigned. (bsr/emf)