'There are too many private cars'

Jakarta officials want to limit the age of vehicles allowed on the roads to reduce air pollution and ease traffic congestion. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinion on the issue.

Suherman, 36, drives a public minivan between South Jakarta and Central Jakarta. He rents a house in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I agree with the proposal to limit the age of vehicles. The city is jammed with both public and private vehicles.

There are too many public minivans operating on my route because unscrupulous officials can be paid off to issue operating permits to new businesspeople. That's why the incomes of minivan drivers continue to decline.

As for private cars, they occupy every inch of road in the city, particularly during peak hours in the morning and afternoon.

I believe limiting the age of vehicles will ease traffic congestion. Moreover, it will be good news for public minivan drivers because we will get more passengers.

Minyol, 22, is a student at the University of Indonesia in Depok, West Java. She lives with her family in South Jakarta:

Basically, I agree with the planned regulation. I believe that there are already too many private cars in Jakarta. I think the policy will reduce the number of private cars in Jakarta.

However, the city administration shouldn't rush to implement the policy because it will adversely affect many people.

For example, many small entrepreneurs and middle-income people use old cars or cars manufactured before 2000. It will be hard for them to understand why they have to buy new cars when their current ones are still in good condition. They won't want to or don't have the money to spend on what they consider an unnecessary expense.

I think the city administration should extend the age limit to 20 or 25 years.

--The Jakarta Post