'I feel apathetic about problems with the city'

'I feel apathetic about problems with the city'

The city's 476th anniversary is celebrated with various
activities intended to entertain all the city's residents.
However, not all residents are enthusiastic as it is deemed a
waste of money. Some shared their feelings with The Jakarta Post.

Cahyo, 34, is an employee with a private company on Jl. Radio
Dalam, South Jakarta. He lives in Pamulang, Tangerang, with his
wife and daughter:

I have been living in Jakarta since I was at junior high
school.

At that time the activities to celebrate the city's
anniversary were so meaningful and really close to the hearts of
every city resident. The festivities were down to earth and held
in a friendly atmosphere.

The current celebration of the city's anniversary is
meaningless to me. Actually it is not necessary to celebrate it
now as it is contrary to the economic slump. The series of
celebrations are only meant to entertain the middle-income
people. It is just a waste of money.

It would be better to celebrate the city's anniversary by
disbursing humanity aid to the majority of low-income residents.

Having a glamorous celebration with lights on the streets will
not at all improve the city's condition, I'm sure. Instead, they
only favor the rich who get the projects.

I personally feel disappointed about the recent condition of
the city. I have lost my sense of belonging to the city.

I feel a bit apathetic now towards the city, including the
anniversary, due to the incompetent leaders.

Dodi, 23, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who operates in
Glodok, West Jakarta. He lives in Jembatan Lima, West Jakarta,
with his relatives:

Living here is not easy. We have to struggle hard to survive
every day amid the tougher competition now.

I don't know why the city government continues to commemorate
the city anniversary lavishly despite the economic downturn among
the low-income people.

It will not at all lure more people to ride my motorcycle. I'm
sure my income will not increase in conjunction with the
anniversary.

I'm not interested in the festivities since they are
unattractive. It would be better to work as usual rather than to
enjoy the entertainment.

I believe that earning a daily income is much more important
rather than having fun in the celebrations.

Anwar, 25, is a security officer at a supermarket in Slipi
Jaya, West Jakarta. He lives in Ciledug, Tangerang, with his
family:

I agree that Jakarta is a real untamed city due to the
hardship of life. However, the city is getting wilder and worse
in many ways. Every low-income earner will not disagree with
that.

Therefore, I just wonder why people, I mean the rich and the
city's high ranking officials, are busy with the activities to
hold parties to celebrate the anniversary?

On the other hand, most of city residents live in poverty.

They are just wasting money for fun and meaningless activities
that do not help the poor.

I'm not interested at all in the celebration this year. I lost
my enthusiasm.

In the past, the celebration was meaningful and attractive. I
enjoyed them. Many city residents flocked to the entertainment
spots, especially when it was held at Monas (National Monument
Park). It was more reachable and attractive compared to the new
venue at the Kemayoran fairgrounds where the Jakarta Fair is held
now. It is very far and far less safe to go there.

-- Leo Wahyudi S