'It's easy to find trash, even used condoms in parks'

Green and clean public parks is one of the things many residents really want. Unfortunately, it remains a dream as the city administration has turned a deaf ear to their wishes.

Mira Damayanti, 30, employee of a private company on Jl. Jendral Sudirman. She spent several years in San Diego, United States and now lives in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

"Of course everybody here needs parks where people can spend their time getting fresh air and refreshing their minds. Unfortunately, the city can't cater to the need.

Parks are the best place for children to play. They need a space to play after getting tired at school while some toddlers must be bored if they play in the house all the time.

But, as there are not enough parks here -- there are some, but in awful condition and dirty -- parents take their children to malls. Once or twice, going to malls is fine, but not all the time.

I am not sure if the administration could enlarge park areas here, but they could improve their condition. Most parks here are in terrible condition, it is easy to find trash or even used condoms there.

The administration must remember that all residents here need parks which are clean, green and beautiful."

Delia Anwar, 67, a housewife and a retired officer of a state- owned bank. She has five grandchildren and now lives in Cinere, South Jakarta.

"Elderly people like us need parks. Sometimes, my friends and I need to go out just to spend our time together. However, as there is no proper park for us, we turned our direction to cafes or malls, although we don't really like it.

As an elder, I also need to get light exercise to keep me healthy. I usually walk around outside my house, but I couldn't do it comfortably as passing vehicles spread pollution.

When my grandchildren visit me, I dream of taking them walking around a nice park with me. But again, it's only a dream.

Please, tell the administration to build parks, and maintain them, as it is one of the residents' needs. I know they can do it, if they want to."

Darmawan Supratisto, 30s, treasury manager of a state-owned financial company on Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Central Jakarta. He had spent two years in New York, and currently lives in Kramat Jati, Central Jakarta.

"I have to admit that there are some proper parks here and also green belts like the one on Jl. Jend. Sudirman. However, the number is not sufficient.

Parks play an important role in the city. It could counter air pollution and keep ground water. It, too, could become a recreational site. All tax payers deserve it.

When I was in New York, I occasionally visited Central Park, which does not charge visitors. Residents could take a walk, exercise or just enjoy the fresh air. That's what a park should be.

In New York, employees who were tired after work could enjoy their lunch in the green and clean public parks to refresh their minds.

The Monas park is actually good, unfortunately it is not managed and maintained properly.

The administration has enough resources to build parks around the city, if they want to. But it fails to create appropriate parks here because the administration is inconsistent in imposing their policy on parks. They also allow developers to build offices or buildings in green areas.

That's why I think what the city needs to have proper parks is law enforcement."