'Traffic jam stress me out'

Traffic congestion in the city is a nightmare for many people -- not only those who drive expensive cars, but also those forced to use public transportation. Some of these people now voice their frustrations and express the high hopes they have placed on the planned construction of the Jakarta Outer Ring Road, even though critics have warned that it will not solve the problem.

Rustam, 32, is a vendor selling traditional stoves. He has been doing the same job for the past 10 years. He was born in Majalengka, West Java, and moved to Jakarta 13 years ago. He resides on Jl. Bendungan Jago, Central Jakarta, with his wife and only daughter:

Many times I've been stuck in traffic jams in the city. It makes me so stressed out. The city transportation system is very bad. I hate these conditions.

I agree with the idea of building an outer ring road in the city. At least, it will ease the chaotic traffic here.

However, I wonder whether it will be effective. The traffic in this city is just too chronic.

Jakarta has a very extensive toll road network and very wide thoroughfares, but they are unable to accommodate the rapidly growing number of vehicles in the city.

The most important thing is how to inculcate discipline in the people so that we have better traffic flow. Otherwise, even the most hi-tech transportation projects will never solve the problem.

Fitri, 29, is a housewife living in Bungur, Central Jakarta. She has two children. Her husband is a security officer at Juanda railway station in Central Jakarta:

When we talk about Jakarta, we always associate it with severe traffic congestion. I think there will never be a solution to the problem as the population is growing so fast.

The development of the outer ring road is a good idea. But I suppose the development will have a direct impact on many people.

I cannot imagine how many residents will be forcibly evicted to clear the land to make way for the project. What will happen to them?

Besides, the project will be costly and consequently increase the country's debt. I'm just afraid my children will suffer as a result of this.

In the short term, I would suggest that the police be stricter in controlling traffic so as to minimize traffic jams.

Ipah, 31, is a housewife who lives on Jl. Rasa Mulia, Central Jakarta. She is a mother of three children and her husband is an electronic appliances trader:

I've rarely seen any improvement in the transportation system in Jakarta. I've had to grin and bear it on countless occasions due to the severe traffic congestion.

The exorbitant fares for public transportation have hit me hard as well.

If the government plans to build the Jakarta Outer Ring Road, I think I would agree with it. At least it will reduce the traffic jams in many parts of the city.

But, has the government thought about the impact? I mean, the areas under the toll roads are prone to a lot of crime.

It will all be useless if the government cannot guarantee the safety of the public.

Wahyu, is a civilian guard at the Bungur subdistrict office in Central Jakarta. He lives near the office:

If the government constructs the Jakarta Outer Ring Road, that would be good. But, I wonder why the city administration does not finish the construction of the flyover on Jl. Bungur, Central Jakarta. If it takes that long to finish just that short flyover, how long will it take to build the longer toll roads?

Due to the unfinished flyover here, we are always been annoyed by the traffic. It drives me mad.

However, I agree with the government's proposal to resolve the transportation problem by developing more toll roads.