'More open space would be good'

Few working people have the time to go to the gym. Those who exercise are usually members of a fitness center that is close to their office, or else they play sport on the weekend. Long working hours, traffic jams and pollution certainly don't help, but The Jakarta Post talked to some Jakartans about getting fit in the city.

Jeffri D. Saputra, 38, works at Bank Indonesia. He lives with his family in Cibubur, East Jakarta:

I like sport. I usually exercise in an open space that has lots of trees. Experts say exercising outdoors, if the air is clean, is good for one's health.

Too bad that we can't find many places like that here. Pollution from vehicles and industries has worsened the quality of the air -- and that is not good for our health. We won't get healthier if we run around breathing in exhaust fumes.

I really hope the city administration pays serious attention to expanding green areas in the city. We don't need expensive facilities to be healthy, but more grass would be good.

Helena Simatupang, 30, is a foreign bank employee. She resides with her family in Pulo Gebang, East Jakarta:

I often exercise at a fitness center after work. The center is located about 15 minutes away from my office. Of course, I have to fork out extra money -- around Rp 150,000 a month -- to be a member.

Unfortunately, some weeks I have to work a lot of overtime, and then I feel like my money is going down the drain.

I think the city administration should build more swimming pools. For senior citizens, who are 60 years and above, swimming is a good alternative. Treadmills and the like can put too much pressure on your joints. And, when you swim, all your muscles get a good workout.

-- The Jakarta Post