'I hope no graft in these projects'

'I hope no graft in these projects'

To ease chronic traffic problems in Jakarta, the city
administration has been working on projects to ease traffic
congestion, including the construction of a monorail and busway
expansion. The busway, which started operating on Jan. 15,
received strong criticism but the administration plans to
continue with the next route, which will run between Pulogadung
and Kalideres. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on the
issue.

Gunawan Wibisono, 43, is a public relations officer at Taman
Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta. He lives in Bambu Apus,
East Jakarta:

I support efforts by the city administration and also by the
police to address chaotic transportation problems in the capital.

Expansion of the busway and construction of a monorail will
contribute significantly to resolving transportation problems.

However, the infrastructure itself is not enough. The
administration and the police must take tougher measures against
public transportation drivers and operators who often violate the
rules by driving recklessly and who do not maintain their
vehicles, which produce a lot of pollution.

Yuli Anggraeni, 25, works for a telecommunications company in
Kuningan, South Jakarta. She lives in Bekasi with her parents and
younger brother:

As a regular passenger on the Pulogadung to Blok M bus and
Bekasi to Gambir electric commuter train, I think the busway and
monorail projects would be beneficial to me if they served the
routes I took regularly.

Based on my experience, I've found the busway more comfortable
and faster. I also think the monorail will be effective in
complementing the busway and existing bus routes.

However, I don't agree if the projects are constructed along
green corridors, which are needed by the city, or result in
people being evicted from their dwellings.

I also hope the officials concerned don't become involved in
markups or other project corruption, which is common practice in
such megaprojects.

-- The Jakarta Post