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Jakarta eyes child-friendly city status by 2022
Most urban areas in the world were designed to accommodate cars, not people. The situation poses a threat to residents, particularly children, when commuting.
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Two girls play at the Akasia Child-friendly Playground (RPTRA) in Tebet, South Jakarta, after the playground was inaugurated by then-governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in this file photo. (Antara Photo/Hafidz Mubarak A)
Despite being born and raised in Jakarta, 33-year-old Erina Fitria has been hesitant over the idea of raising her child here.
In the city that never sleeps, Erina said there were too many factors to consider to ensure that her son would grow up well.
Erina’s 6-year-old son just started kindergarten this year and she has never been more protective of him.
“I never stop worrying about his well-being because I don’t think the city is child-friendly enough,” she said on Wednesday.
She went on and mentioned major factors she is concerned about the most, such as the severely polluted air and the city’s sidewalks, pedestrian bridges and public transportation, which are not all safe for children.
To answer to Erina's and other parents' concerns, the Jakarta administration launched the Child-Friendly City Grand Design 2018-2022 last year and has been working to fulfill all indicators in the design to become a child-friendly city (KLA).
Earlier in July, the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry placed Jakarta in the pratama (basic) level in its contention to be considered a KLA. It is the first level from which the city must improve in order to eventually earn the KLA title.
