Restricting traffic to license plate numbers absurd

In addition to the city's busway project, which is scheduled to be implemented later this year, there is another plan to limit the number of vehicles on the road. A traffic restriction that goes by the last number on vehicle owners' license plates would control which vehicles could travel on city streets in an effort to reduce lengthy tie-ups, according to one city official. If the policy takes effect, cars with license plates ending in certain numbers will have to be left at home on specific days. Some car owners in the city told The Jakarta Post what they thought about the policy.

Joice Budisusanto, 40, is a corporate communications manager at a private company on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. She lives in Tomang, West Jakarta, with her family:

I disagree with the license plate-based restriction because it seems irrational.

It will only restrict the public's access to transportation without giving us another alternative. It won't solve the transportation problem.

I only have one car but I could manage to get two license plates so that I could use it every day.

I don't want to take public transportation because I don't want to look a mess at work due to the poor condition of public transportation here.

Would the government provide better, safer and more comfortable public transportation? I would be much happier to use public transportation.

It would automatically reduce people's desire to buy new cars. It would also mean that the traffic will not be as severely congested as it is now.

I think the busway project is just nonsense. It only favors a certain group with vested interests rather than the public.

Satriyo, 26, is a freelance translator with a media company in Cikini, Central Jakarta. He is a resident of Pejaten, South Jakarta:

Personally, I don't like the idea of restricting the vehicles on the road according to their license plate numbers.

I think it's just ridiculous. Now it looks like I have something else to worry about before I drive off in my car.

The idea won't be a solution for this city's transportation problems. It will be just as ineffective as the three-in-one restricted zone policy.

The license-plate restriction will give rise to new kinds of violations since the public is not that aware about it.

I would be very hesitant to comply with this policy, but I guess it will be imposed some day.

I would only agree to it on the condition that the government improves public transportation in the city. I would be happy to use public transportation if I could feel safe and comfortable.

The busway project and the never-ending construction of some flyovers will not solve the real problems.

Rocky Kalalo, 46, is a managing director at a private company in Roxy Mas, West Jakarta. He lives in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

I think this idea will work. At least, I appreciate that the city administration has the political will to manage transportation in the city.

However, the government should monitor the policy's implementation since it will be hard for the public to adjust to something new like that. If it is implemented, all city residents who use the roads, including high-ranking officials, should abide by the rules. No one should have any kind of privileges, except for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines.

-- Leo Wahyudi S