Toll roads dilemma

An appropriate moment has been chosen to announce the latest increase in toll road fees. While the public is being kept confused by the PDI congress affair and people are excited over the European Cup soccer tournament, the government suddenly came with the announcement of urban toll road fee increases in Jakarta. This timing, whether or not intentionally chosen, has indeed deflected much of the public's attention. During the middle of May, when a proposal for such a fee increase was made by PT Citra Marga Nusaphala which manages the urban toll roads, many objections were made by the public.

The government obviously has its reasons for approving the increase. The public, on the other hand, also have reasons for their objections. The most important reason is that all users must pay the same fee even though not everyone uses the entire stretch. Another objection concerns road convenience, which is often lacking. During peak hours the toll roads are just as congested as the ordinary roads.

However, it's no use complaining. Experience shows that once the decision to increase toll road fees has been made, changing it is difficult. Now all the public can do is hope that the government will be so kind as to improve conditions on Jakarta's roads, on which practically not a single section is left free from jams. Another wish is that the investors refrain from rushing to build more toll roads because it could lead to a further increase in the fees for roads that already exist.

-- Republika, Jakarta