Love and Hate Relationship with Jakarta

Living in capitol city like Jakarta, need more patience and also courage. Why? It’s hard to live in the most congested city in the world. Literally. I once stuck for 2 hours for only 10 km distance. Not to mention if the rain pouring down, here comes the flood. Oh don’t ask the chaos.

People also complains about crime rate in Jakarta. Several cases happened in the past few weeks. Lots of cases emerged and yes, every time I read it makes me cringe because some of them were brutal. Let’s talk about the attitude on street.

There’s almost a clash between bikers and car drivers, bikers and bikers, or car drivers and car drivers. In short, accidents happens almost every day on the street. Jakarta also not nice place to walk. Pedestrian use as hawker food stalls. Sometimes, the motorcycle use pedestrian to avoid the traffic. So yeah, lots of conflict also.

Last but not least, the political heat. As capitol city, Jakarta serves as place for government. High political tension often happens in parliament or other government institutions. Rallies definitely will happen to respond certain issues. Yup, another traffic jam will happen.

From my definition, Jakarta seems like a worst place to live. Is that right?

So much I express my dissatisfaction about Jakarta, everywhere I go I will definitely miss Jakarta. Yes people, I love Jakarta so much! Several reasons:

1. I can found food easily. No, we’re not talking fast food which opens 24 hours. Street food! Yes you can easily find food in the middle of the night if you feel hungry. I often do that hehehe.
2. Places to hangout. Lots of cafes and restaurants in Jakarta to have a meeting with friends or business purpose. Lots clubs you can choose to have some fun. The choice is in your hand.
3. Unique communities. I think you can find ANY communities in Jakarta. Ow I need to underline that communities I mean is a group with same interest. You can find film communities, music communities and also hobby communities. Join one and you will feel you’re not the only person in the world.
4. Good shows. Jakarta become a host to lots of concerts, sport events, or exhibitions. Nationally and internationally. You can also watch art performances in various places.

That’s some of the examples. The most important thing for me, Jakarta allows me to rediscover myself. Living in Jakarta, I know I can survive anywhere. In Jakarta, I found out what I’m capable of and develop it. In Jakarta, I learn to be independent person.

If I’m a mayor of this city,,, okay governor. If I’m the governor of Jakarta, I will try to solve the traffic problem first. The public transportation in Jakarta not too good. That’s why people choose to bring their own vehicle because it more convenience than bus or train. I will put more effort in maintenance of each and every unit. Bus operator need to apply safety procedure. That means, replace old unit with new one, daily maintenance, and recruit qualified drivers.

That’s my small step as a governor to tackle transportation problem. Hope the governor now can get the support he needs to tackle the problems in Jakarta. Anyway, despite all the negative things surrounding Jakarta, I still love Jakarta so much.

*As posted in my other blog to participating in Daily Post Challenge with prompt We Built This City