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