Limit car ownership!

Limit car ownership!

In order to solve the chronic problem of traffic jams in
Jakarta, more than a progressive car tax is required. Limitation
of private car ownership should be enforced, bearing in mind that
the number of private cars has reached 1,800,000. Apart from
that, the government should enhance and increase the volume of
infrastructure. This would call for a financial commitment, of
course. How are the funds going to be obtained?

Each family should be allowed to own only two cars; one for
the husband and the other for his wife and children. In case the
family wished to purchase a third or a fourth car, they should
buy a Certificate of Infrastructure Fund (CIF) for each
additional car. The CIF for the third car would cost Rp 25
million and for the fourth car, Rp 50 million. This system seems
to be workable, since those families who can afford more than two
cars belong to the "haves" group. Through this fund ruling, about
US$1 billion could be collected, which would hopefully be enough
for financing the building of the infrastructure needed,
including the subway project.

HARRY MULJADI

Jakarta