Noblesse oblige

I was told that Pondok Indah is a residential area for the elite. Looking around the area I am convinced. The houses are big and beautiful, with spacious gardens. The architecture is varied and impressive.

But being elite does not mean that you also stand above law and regulations and can disregard public interest. The higher you are in the social strata, the more concern you must show for public interest.

Often parties (weddings or other functions) organized by people living in Pondok Indah result in whole streets being blocked and traffic being rerouted. Public interest is sacrificed because someone in that area has decided to throw a party.

We have enough traffic problems in Pondok Indah with all the digging and installation of large water pipes; but this is for the greater public good. Also forgivable are disruptions caused by streets being closed for Idul Fitri or Idul Adha prayers.

But blocking roads and rerouting traffic for personal parties or benefits is, in my opinion, not appropriate.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta