The drive started last Sunday and would be implemented every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m in certain areas. However, the car free day program would be expanded in terms of time and place.

Denpasar Mayor IB Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra said the first stage of the program covered areas in Renon civic center where the majority of government offices and private institutions are located.

"The program was intended as a long-term government scheme to reduce the negative impacts of car emissions and air pollution which, in the end, will lower the quality of the city's air and environment."

Denpasar is facing rapid development of various public facilities including new offices, housing complexes, business centers and tourist-related establishment. The city is also facing a serious population problem. Denpasar now shelters 1.3 million of residents out of Bali's total population of only 3.2 million of people.

With the rapid growth of population, the city also sees the significant increase in the number of cars and motor cycles.

"The city is now too crowded and it is expected that in the next few years, it can no longer accommodate new transportation facilities. The development of new roads and the rise in the number of vehicles is uneven," the mayor explained.A legislator commented that he was pessimistic that the program will be sustainable because of limited information and socialization process to the public.

However, the majority of Denpasar residents welcomed the policy, saying it was good for the city's environment.

Made Aryasa, an employee of a private bank, said the policy would encourage people to pay attention to the importance of improving the city's environmental condition.

"Denpasar is getting hot and dirty. There is trash everywhere, while air and noise pollution has become so serious. The once quiet city has become the most crowded places in Bali."

Denpasar could be more beautiful if all residents and the municipal administration work together to create an environmentally-friendly city.

"A day without cars and motor cycles would be a good idea. On Sundays, people usually stay at home and the city has time to mend itself," he said.Ni Luh Putu Murtisari, a resident at Sesetan, noticed that despite the car-free policy, there were still many people who violated it by passing through the designated roads last Sunday.

"Our residents lack self-discipline. Strict law enforcement may be needed to ensure thatnobody dares violate the regulation."

Mayor Dharmawijaya Mantra explained the policy was still new and required further studies.

"But we are very committed to implementing the policy. We understand that many parties are still pessimistic about it."

Popular

Indonesian hotel chain confirms exit from Cuba

Corruption scandals, rupiah fall revive reshuffle talks

Waiting is not an option