Letter: Tourism in the capital

This refers to “Tourism agency says Jakarta traffic no problem”, (Feb. 25).

The question is how many tourists choose to come to Jakarta for a holiday as opposed to those “tourists” who must come because there is an international event.

How many people come here for tourism, after deducting the people who come to Jakarta every year for one of the “500-700” international events?

Not many I should imagine… unless they are Asians who want to go to another gormless shopping mall. There is little to see and do here in Jakarta. It is almost impossible to walk in the city. And there is little or no fun in being caught for hours in traffic.

When my family and friends come to visit me I restrict their stay to no more than three days and most of the daylight hours are spent inside the car — trying to get somewhere.

Jakarta could be a great tourist destination. But as you do not have the expertise or the foresight to make the capital tourist friendly — and especially since you neglect the restoration and development of the Old City — you will continue to lose out on tourist dollars.

I question these figures. As for suggesting that proper tourists are not put off by traffic congestion — as opposed to those who must come here because an event is being held here and they are involved in it and have no choice but to put up with the traffic — then that is putting a slant on things that is gilding the lily.

Phillip Turnbull
South Tangerang, Banten