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Jakartans praise progress ahead of anniversary
As we approach the city’s 492nd anniversary, Jakartans consider the capital to have shown improvement in some aspects
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As we approach the city’s 492nd anniversary, Jakartans consider the capital to have shown improvement in some aspects.
Some say they are finally happier with its notoriously nightmarish traffic, and hope for even more improvements in public transportation.
“I wish Jakarta to be a cleaner city with less congestion,” said Thea Fuk Loy, 57, who was born and raised in the capital. The city is home to about 10 million people and 2.12 million trips are made there daily from the city’s outskirts.
According to the recently released TomTom Traffic Index, Jakarta traffic showed the “biggest improvement” among 403 cities ranked. Congestion went down from 61 percent in 2017 to 53 percent in 2018. However, Jakarta still ranks as the seventh-most-congested city in the world.
Thea added he had seen positive developments in Jakarta as the city was becoming more modern. He is especially pleased with the city’s MRT and LRT services.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo launched the first phase of the MRT connecting Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta in March; while the LRT Jakarta which connects Velodrome Station in Rawamangun, East Jakarta to Boulevard Utara Station in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, has been in a trial run period since June 11.
People’s mobility has improved, increasing expectations for wider access to public transportation.
“I hope the developments continue to other areas of Jakarta,” said another resident Gracias Ruth, who said she used the MRT daily. “[Development] should not only focus on the downtown area.” “Long live Jakarta!” she said.
Both the central government and Jakarta administration have attempted to improve public transportation with the ongoing construction of the Greater Jakarta LRT (LRT Jabodebek).
Once finished, phase 1 of LRT Jabodebek will span over 40 kilometers, connecting Cawang in East Jakarta with Cibubur in East Jakarta, Cawang with Dukuh Atas in Central Jakarta and Cawang with East Bekasi in Bekasi.
Another Jakartan expressed excitement about the celebration of Jakarta’s anniversary.
“I want to go to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle,” said Muhammad Azmi, a college student also born and raised in Jakarta. “I want to see what the hype is all about.”
Azmi was referring to a main event of Jakarta’s anniversary celebration, which will be centered at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Saturday from 5 p.m. onwards. The event will celebrate Jakarta’s evolution with the theme “The New Face of Jakarta”.
Visitors can enjoy traditional dance and music shows, a huge display of traditional Jakarta costumes, as well as immersive videos in areas near the stage.
The videos will show Jakarta’s development in three acts: Jakarta Tempo Doeloe (Old Jakarta), Jakarta Membangun (Building Jakarta) and Wajah Baru Jakarta (The New Face of Jakarta).
Preparation for this event has affected traffic on Jl. MH Thamrin, which will be closed on Friday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 3 p.m. to midnight. Motorists and commuters using the Transjakarta bus services are advised to opt for other routes.
Other than the event during the peak of Jakarta’s anniversary celebration, the city administration has prepared another event to be enjoyed during the weekend.
Families who want a more laid-back and child-friendly option may prefer the weekend outdoor bazaar and garage sales at Lapangan Banteng park, Central Jakarta. Meanwhile, for people who are looking to find a place to spend time before the weekend, Ancol Dreamland Park in North Jakarta is offering free entry to its park area from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. (eyc)
