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