`River transportation will only benefit officials'

The city administration's idea to set up a river transportation system has received mixed reactions. Many people consider the idea foolish and laughable. The Jakarta Post asked more people their views on the matter.

Hasyim, 40, is a street artist on Jl. Gajah Mada, West Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta, with his wife and four children:

The idea is impossible. It's absurd and unrealistic.

Most rivers in the city are not meant for transportation.

The water is dirty and I'm sure people still have the bad habit of dumping garbage recklessly in the rivers.

There are too many problems the administration has to face. It's useless to run the project as it will cost billions of rupiah and yield no results. It won't help ease the traffic problems either.

It's far better to build toll roads or bypass roads to ease the traffic congestion from Blok M to Kota.

On the other hand, I just wonder why the administration does not try to find a solution to the problems of the people in the low-income bracket.

It's clear that the administration officials only think of making money for their own benefit in the name of public services.

Abdul, not his real name, 59, sells newspapers at Kota railway station in West Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

The idea is nonsensical. People don't need such a project, which will need a huge investment.

We can see the real condition of rivers in the city. The water is black, dirty, smelly and stagnant. How could such rivers be used for transportation? It's unfeasible.

Why don't the administration officials better manage traffic in the city before discussing other solutions?

Perhaps they have run out of ideas how to make money so they have thought up this crazy idea, which will be profitable for them.

It will only be another way to fill out their budget forms so the city can spend the money. It's common practice among officials.

Suwarno, 36, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Ancol, North Jakarta. He lives in Pinangsia, West Jakarta with his friends. His wife and five children resides in Sragen, Central Java:

If the project materializes, it could be another alternative to solve transportation problems in the city.

I don't know about the Ciliwung River but I can see that there are many squatters living in houses on stilts along the river banks.

If the rivers have less bends, it'll be OK. But in Ancol there are fewer problems, I guess.

I often see military officers using boats along the river for military exercises.

However, I wonder how much money will be needed to raise the bridges crossing the many rivers in the city.

I think it won't be that easy to prepare the rivers for the project.

I don't really care about it. It has nothing to do with the lives of the poor. What is more important for us is survival. The project won't improve our lives, it will only benefit the officials.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.