Indonesian "potential"
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
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