'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