Who asked you to come to Jakarta?

The phenomenon of urbanization that is rooted in humanity’s search for a better quality of life, characterizes Jakarta, even though the city has reached its maximum capacity. Only a small number of people can live in quality living conditions. Hereunder are the stories of those who survive in Jakarta.

“Who asked you to come to Jakarta where you suffer all alone?”

That refrain, made popular by the late singer Melky Goeslaw in the 1970s, reflects the bitterness some people feel today in the capital city.

Jakarta is infamous for its ills, ranging from frustrating traffic congestion to repulsive environmental conditions.

For many people, though the city is still a place of hope for its access to education, economic opportunity, politics, culture and other things.

“It’s better to suffer in Jakarta than to be no one in the village,” Puji Rohayanti, 20, a housemaid in Palmerah, West Jakarta, said.

Puji, the third of 10 children from a peasant family, is proud of having lived and worked in the city since 2008. She said people in her hometown regarded her as “cool” to have a chance to experience the grandeur of Jakarta. “I left Purbalingga [in Central Java], my hometown, with my neighbors with who I shared a dream of living in a great city like Jakarta,” she said while ironing.

After her first three months in Jakarta Puji returned to Purbalingga. “I felt useless back at home. I would not have been able to take home as much as Rp 600,000 [US$69.60] a month as a maid in my village,” she said.

Retta Andriani, who studies at defense economics at the Indonesian Defense University, said it was easier to pursue her master’s degree in Jakarta where many varied experts reside.

According to Retta, who came to the city from Bandung, West Java, in October, Jakarta provided broader access to education and employment even though the city was too crowded. “Jakarta is where ‘everything could turn into money’”.

“There is also a glimpse of pride when I meet old friends and tell them that I live and work in Jakarta. They admire me.”

Shenny Bhuwani Cili, a native of Bali, said Jakarta had unlimited possibilities, especially in employment. “Someone can become anything in this city. Life in the capital was no problem, Shenny said, adding that every city had its own problems.

Jakarta is also attractive for foreigners. Matt Berry, an American property consultant who been visiting Jakarta since 2009, said that living in one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia was worth experiencing.

“I want to have the opportunity to get familiar with the largest city in Southeast Asia which seems to be off the map for a lot of people,” Berry said.

However, the city fell short in providing outdoor activities, he added.

People from different places inside and outside of the country will continue to come to Jakarta for various reasons. And Goeslaw’s question, who asked you to come to Jakarta?, will linger. (msa)