'Traffic jam stress me out'

'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.