`We're happy to be living here,' expats fond of life in Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Members of Jakarta's expatriate community exhibit a fondness for life here, defying the day-to-day hassles of living in Indonesia's largest metropolis.

"It's a good place to make a living. Its a good place to raise a family," said Molly Walter who, with her family, has lived here for over five years.

Speaking to The Jakarta Post over the weekend, Walter said that her stay has been very agreeable and that the whole family has truly enjoyed living here.

Sid Perret, a communications consultant, who has resided in Jakarta for 17 years, gave an even more cheery view of the city saying, "it's the best kept secret in Southeast Asia."

He explained by saying that Jakarta is a cosmopolitan city where anything and everything can be found, from consumer goods to entertainment.

As Jakarta celebrates its 467th anniversary on Wednesday, its 10 million inhabitants create a tremendous burden on the city's resources.

The colossal number of people living here creates problems that are often beyond comprehension, causing many to cry out at the corroding way of life.

However, this assumption was broken down when a number of expatriates individually approached by the Post spontaneously proclaimed their delight at living here.

"It's a hassle finding them, it's a hassle getting there but it's all there," Perret said.

He added as long as one has a bit of patience and the awareness of living in a metropolitan city, then everything will be all right.

Just as the expatriates seemed to be of one mind regarding their satisfaction at living here, almost all spoke out about the dire traffic conditions.

"It's a real killer," said seven-year resident Stephen Rapley.

Deteriorate

Describing his exasperation, Rapley said that it wasn't just a question of the often turtle-like pace of the traffic but the utter mayhem on the city's streets.

"You have to learn to plan your day carefully if you're required to commute a lot," he said.

Perret concurred with complaints that the traffic situation has deteriorated over the years, attributing the conditions to poor management and "band-aid" solutions.

"The traffic control system has been poorly managed, and has gone from bad to ugly," he added.

In contrast, Walter believes that since her arrival the traffic situation has improved, pointing to various road construction projects as the remedy.

"I also think the three-in-one rule was probably one of the best rules that they've made," she said.

Another major source of concern among expatriates has been the perceived increase in crime.

When asked how to compare the situation today with that of the late 1970's and early 1980's, Perret unhesitatingly asserts it is now worse "by a factor of five, easily."

Rapley too expressed his worry that lately he has heard more and more stories of friends having brushes with muggers.

Improvements

One of the most recent incidents occurred last month when two expatriate ladies were robbed at knife point while shopping in Kemang Timur, South Jakarta. Fortunately the two escaped unharmed.

Wolter, though her family has been free from such unpleasant incidents, admits that she is a bit concerned by the prevailing safety of the city.

However, she is quick to add that she generally feels quite safe while walking the streets and leaving her children to play in public places.

"I feel very safe for my children to go almost anywhere...in the U.S. I couldn't let my children out in the mall like that," Wolter said referring to her two kids, Rachel and Geoffery.

When asked what improvements she would like to see, Wolter called for improved health services.

"There's not a lot of faith among the expatriate community in the medical system here," she declared.

Speculating about the future of the city, reactions ranged from bleak to optimistic.

Wolter was bullish, projecting a combination of good and bad but with a final positive outlook.

Both Rapley and Sid were concerned about the incredible population growth, saying that it was the source of the city's problems.

"The city can't cope with what it has now, can you imagine what it would be like if we added even more to it," Rapley said.

Perret was even more direct, saying Jakarta is heading for a breakdown unless the influx of people entering the city is stemmed.

He quoted population projections of 20 million by the turn of the century, pointing out that by then it will be an impossible place in which to live.

"I think its a good place to live now, but its becoming increasingly difficult," he said in closing. (mds)