Solution to Road Chaos: Analyst Calls for Character Revolution

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Untangling the knot of traffic jams and traffic disorder in Indonesia seems like an impossible mission.

Rules have already been extensively created, yet violations remain a daily sight, from the use of road shoulders to lane hogging behaviour.

So, how can we rebuild orderly habits in a society accustomed to a “culture of cutting in”?

“This is a question of revolution. A revolution in character. How do we shape a national character with an approach that is indeed a global hallmark,” Jusri told Kompas.com recently.

Jusri explained that Indonesian society has a tendency to imitate or duplicate what they see in their surroundings.

Therefore, the key to change lies in the exemplary conduct of leaders or those in high positions.

In addition to exemplary conduct, Jusri assesses that law enforcement in Indonesia must regain its edge. He compares the level of orderliness in the past, which felt more disciplined due to the tangible firmness from law enforcement officers.

“This Indonesian language must be firm. In the old days, from the aspect of security and order, it was far better. Why? Because the language used was firm. There will indeed be opposition regarding human rights, but that is the way for Indonesia to be more orderly in the future,” Jusri stated.

“The main contributor to that chaos is our impolite behaviour. If this character revolution proceeds, the economic losses due to wasted time and fuel can be curbed,” Jusri said.