Indonesian "potential"

Talk of a mass rapid transport (MRT) system similar to Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur to alleviate the traffic problem are most welcome indeed. Sometimes one wonders whether there is any planning that goes on in this city. The busway does not sound too promising as there are already too many metro mini buses and angkot (a sort of public vehicle serving short distances in the city) that are major causes of congestion. So by introducing more buses it does not look too promising.

An MRT from Tangerang to Bekasi and from Kuningan to West Jakarta sounds like a brilliant option. Tollways in Jakarta, as they are now, are congested and often more slow than feeder roads. An outer ring tollway from South Jakarta out to west Jakarta, bypassing the center could help alleviate a lot of traffic, but we are aware that there are not enough funds.

A lot of talk was said about the National Monument and the money poured in. I went there the other week and wondered what ever happened to the deer and the birds. Perhaps money can be spent on clearing the stormways instead of monuments and evicting the poor. Environmental studies should be incorporated into elementary curriculum in schools and the nation be educated so that together this great country can regain its unique beauty and so that recreation spots can be free of litter.

One positive word always comes up when talking about Indonesia, that is the word "potential". There are plenty of smart people, plenty of good people, plenty of resources. Though this country is in financial mess, there is still hope and plenty of potential.

MARK OGILVIE Jakarta