T

he habit of creating graffiti in public places could indeed contribute positively to the environment, particularly if such activities produced artistic murals that made the surrounding environment more beautiful than before. Regrettably, however, much of the '€œstreet art'€ in our capital city looks ugly and untidy because it lacks artistry and is unsightly.

In many parts of Jakarta, there is graffiti on public walls, parks, government and private buildings, and many other public places. Much of it detracts from any idea of beautifying the city. Therefore, the recent issuance of a gubernatorial decree to regulate graffiti in public places is welcome.

Jakarta Gubernatorial Decree No. 1/2013, issued on April 18, will not only regulate graffiti in public places, it will also prevent people from pasting advertisements, campaign materials or other posters in public places.

The decree, which is based on Article 21 of City Bylaw No. 8/2007 on Public Order, threatens violators with a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to Rp 20 million (US$2,105). In essence, it is meant to eradicate tasteless graffiti and vandalism.

The efforts of Governor Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo'€™s administration to make the city look beautiful and orderly deserves appreciation. Jakartans need to support such a policy by, among others things, actively reporting any violation of the regulation.

However, it is hoped that the regulation will not prohibit all graffiti in public places, particularly if the artists offer the public something worth looking at. Total prohibition would kill the creativity of both amateur and professional mural painters.

Instead, the city should help them to improve their talents by providing them with places or even rewards to enhance their creativity. Organizing a regular mural competition could further encourage them to create their best work.

On the other hand, ensuring that the new regulation does not become another toothless legal instrument is no less important for Jokowi and relevant agencies within the city'€™s administration.

There are many good regulations in the city that are, sadly, ineffective. Many of the articles in the Public Order Bylaw, which Jokowi has used for his new decree, stipulate the imposition of tough punishments to those who litter or beg in public places, unauthorized sidewalk vendors and people who dump garbage in rivers and waterways.

Regrettably, however, littering is still a common practice in the city. Beggars can be seen in many corners of the city. Street vendors still freely occupy pedestrian facilities, and too many rivers are still treated as local dump sites for many Jakarta residents.

It seems that Jokowi and his staff will need to work extra hard, not only to ensure that the new regulation works effectively but also to encourage people to comply with the city'€™s other regulations, which aim to make Jakarta a better place to live.

With the new regulation, it is hoped that the city administration will be able to stop vandalism, while at the same time encourage street artists to produce their best work.