Fauzi's priorities

Fauzi Bowo's priorities are linked to Jakarta's problems. I agree with most of his views at the moment, but think he needs to look further to the future also.

As Jakarta's governor, he must be aware that the city is now an urban dynamic, where more people are looking for places to live outside Jakarta, especially those in the middle and high income brackets.

This is increasing the number of commuters traveling in and out of Jakarta daily, which sparks traffic congestion. This is not only caused by Jakarta's limited number of roads, but also the increasing number of private cars in the capital.

In the short term, the busway system may answer this problem. But what about in the long term? It this just political will? It would be better if plans were made looking further ahead than five years.

The annual floods are also a problem in Jakarta. In the long term, there will be no profit gained from constructing new canals or dams. However, there will also be no floods if the government makes an effort. So many industries are forced to temporarily close down operations when floods occur.

The informal sector also needs attention. Jakarta still attracts people from all over the country. Most of them are unskilled and uneducated labors. Since they can not enter the formal sector, the informal sector is their answer.

What the government should do is establish regulations to support them. Without such regulations, there will be more slums and street vendors.

DIDIT EKO SETIAWAN
Rotterdam