Pedestrians second class citizens

Pedestrians second class citizens

From Berita Buana

Unlike in many other countries, pedestrians in Indonesia seem to be regarded as second class citizens. Can you imagine, we pedestrians must give way to sidewalk vendors who sell their merchandise on the pavement? Besides, motor cyclists sometimes use the pavements, especially when traffic jams cause them to turn to the pavements to ride their motorcycles, as if they were given the privilege to use the facility.

Once I was scolded by a motorcyclist because I was nearly grazed by his motor. I couldn't believe it! Wasn't it the rider who was to blame for using the pavement that is meant for pedestrians?

When pedestrians have to cross a road consisting of four lanes they have to stop halfway because the walk signal is not on long enough to allow them to complete the crossing. They can go on crossing only when the walk signal is on again.

I have visited several foreign countries. I found that the rights of the pedestrians are very much respected. They can cross a road without fear of being run down by a motorist. The motorists slow down and allow pedestrians to cross the road. In Jakarta, however, very often motorists increase their speed when seeing that someone is about to cross the road, giving the impression that they are quite reluctant to give the pedestrians the chance to cross.

S. SUBEKTI

Jakarta