'Poorly lit areas are prone to crime'

'Poorly lit areas are prone to crime'

As part of the government's efforts to save energy, the Jakarta
administration has reduced lighting at its offices, as well as
along the city's thoroughfares and in parks. Television stations
also obeyed to the call to reduce broadcasting hours by four
hours. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their reactions to
the campaign.

Ervina Nur Amaliasari, 30, is a lecturer at the hotel and
tourism school at Sahid University in Jakarta. She lives in
Bekasi:

The impact of energy conservation affects our daily routines.
For example, as a mother with one baby, it will be difficult for
me if the power in our house is shut off, especially when it
takes place for a number days during certain hours.

And I think the lights along the main roads of the city should
not be shut off. It will scare people, particularly pedestrians.
But if the government has to do so, then it must provide a better
system for security and safety.

Speaking in terms of limiting the TV broadcasting hours on all
television stations, I can understand that. I am one of those TV
viewers who only needs to watch education-entertainment shows.
For me, it is not good to turn on television for long hours while
it broadcasts useless programs. It would only increase our
electricity bill and teach us nothing.

Airlangga Wattimena, 33, is a graphic designer and
photographer. He lives in Ciputat, South Jakarta:

Basically, the government's appeal for energy conservation is
already too late. Where have they been?

But I will agree with people who are aware about such energy
conservation.

I think what our government has done right now by shutting off
lights on the streets and issuing instructions to limit the
power usage for television to broadcast, is overdoing it.

Street lights are very important and crucial because they
relate to people's lives. They are there for a purpose such as
to prevent crimes. Poorly lit areas create the potential for
crime.

What is important now is how the government can eradicate the
corruption, maintain good governance and straighten up the
structures in ruling the country.

-- The Jakarta Post