Traffic gripe

Traffic gripe

The traffic jams in Jakarta are getting worse. They occur at all hours and in any part of the city. Various regulations have been implemented, but the problems persist.

When my office was located in Pancoran, South Jakarta, I did not bother with the 3-in-1 regulation, but as soon as I moved to a new office on Jl. Gatot Subroto the traffic became a headache.

Like many people, I began leaving home at 6:00 a.m. in order to enter Jl. Jend. Sudirman before 6:30 a.m and avoid the 3-in-1 regulation. One Saturday morning, my wife and I went to the office. We needed an extra passenger, but were reluctant to pick up a 3-in-1 kid. I offered a lift to a young lady waiting for a bus to take her to Jl. Jend. Sudirman. She refused, despite my good intentions. I asked another lady, only to get another refusal. This forced me to take a 3-in-1 kid, which was against my conscience.

For whom is the regulation intended? Frankly, I would prefer to leave my car at home and take a bus, if only public transport were safer and more comfortable.

SUGENG HARTONO

Jakarta