There are several reasons why fast food grows quickly in Jakarta. The first reason is the changing lifestyles in society. In Jakarta, many people are working in offices or companies. The workers do not have much time to search for food because the working hours are very solid. Advertising is another reason. Jakarta is a big city that through advertising always informs society of new products. For example, the internet and television report every day about developments of different types of fast food. All of these ads influence people to buy fast food.

Moreover, the price of fast food is very cheap. Therefore, every day many people buy hamburgers, pizzas and other fast foods.

However, fast food has negative effects. The greatest influence is on health. It can be seen from many people in Jakarta who became fat because of these foods. As a result, these people will become less productive and have conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Another consequence of fast food is losing the tradition of eating together with family at home. Now, children and adults rarely eat together at home. As a result, parents and children seldom communicate with each other. The next effect is on the economy. Fast food is not too expensive. It is more expensive to cook at home. However, all fast food comes from foreign-owned franchise companies, so the benefits of these foods go to foreigners.

In general, I think that a lot of people consume fast food in Jakarta because of the lifestyle, the influence of advertising and low prices. However, I believe that these foods have serious consequences in the community such as health problems, loss of traditional family meals and economic problems. Therefore, people in Jakarta should leave fast food for a better life.

Heru Nugroho,
Jakarta

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