Readers’ Outlook: Integrated strategy is the only answer

Until there is a real effort to develop and implement an integrated transport strategy, one that involves both the national and city administration, the problem of traffic congestion will continuously worsen and Jakarta will sink in a sea of cars and motorcycles.

An integrated approach whereby the national government eliminates the fuel subsidy and diverts the same money into public transport infrastructure (such as trains) would definitely be working toward a longterm sustainable situation.

Meanwhile, we are probably in for an ongoing tinkering with all manner of “good ideas” that don’t work. We have the experiences of many cities to draw on to know that Jakarta traffic will only get worse before it gets better.

We already know the causes and the solutions but without decisive and visionary leadership at both national and city levels, Jakarta is a “dead duck”.

Oh, how I wish for a public transportion system like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo or Osaka. Are we so dumb that we can’t even attempt to copy our neighbors?

There are too many vested interests here I suspect.

Nairdah
Sydney