I

would like to applaud the Jakarta Transportation Agency in its efforts to better the public transportation systems of Jakarta.

Since the time of previous governor Fauzi Bowo, the mass rapid transit (MRT) has been nothing but a dream the people of Jakarta have had for equalizing ourselves with the advanced transportation systems present in foreign developed countries.  

It is a great triumph that the government of Jakarta, through PT MRT Jakarta, is finally realizing this dream, and not responding to the whims of the masses that are worryingly near-sighted and are only interested in how they can improve their lives now.

If only all government officials could respond like Jakarta Transportation Agency head Udar Pristono and respond to protests by saying: '€œProtests against changes are expected but we will go ahead with the plan.'€

Nevertheless, while the MRT project may be a great way of leveling the transportation playing field with the world, it would help the government to first drastically eradicate the high levels of criminality still rampant in Jakarta'€™s transportation.

Only then will the government address the heart of Jakarta'€™s transportation issues, and allow Jakarta'€™s population to be able to experience the Singapore, Toronto or Hong Kong we as Jakartans dream of.

Mike Jonathan
Jakarta