Driving through the streets of Jakarta during the Lebaran period, one can't help but ponder. Ponder at how much less traffic there is. Then of course , the ultimate question forms. Why can't it be like this always? Ultimately, my mind starts to reel... I am evaluating this transportation system, the traffic problems we face, the over populated city and extremities in social standards of living! Why can't it be Lebaran everyday?
Very ignorant and simple minded, I don't think that moving the city of Indonesia is going to improve matters here. I don't think relocating the city to another less developed is going to resolve issues. Wouldn't it just complicate matters? Wouldn't the same mistakes be repeated again? In ignorance I ask. I came from a country where I did not see alot of poverty, neither did I have to deal with bad traffic, nor did I have beggars on each street, side road or traffic lights. Did not all the leaders of this seemingly hopeless nation grow up with such adversities and promised themselves to make a change one day? What is the difficulty? I ask in such desperation and ignorance. It's "neoliberalism", I am told! Why are you so affected? Don't think too much about it!
I am not a fan of politics, so I research this term. I am surprised to see that such an out of date approach to a high tech world and advanced human intelligence in todays modern political mindset. Yet the ones in leadership are of the old school era ; yet have not improvised this system, to suit the modern social standards, advancement and needs of the communities. People are travelling everyday , for 2 hours to get to a job which pays them pittance.They wake up before dawn, do their chores,get to work and by the time they are back home again, there's hardly any time left except for sleep. They truly have no choice nor do they have a love for their work. These are the average working class status, whose earnings average between US$100 - US$300 a month. That's a single income. To be able to earn more you must be an entrepreneur. And we wonder why corruption exists as a norm in Jakarta. Although prices of daily needs increases, taking loans are made easier; there has been no rescaling of the wage system. Private sectors build more and more shopping centers (WTC and ITC) which remain 70% empty. Why isn't there a diversion of the thriving entrepreneurs to relocate in the high populated districts where polls show citizens of working age exists? Couldn't the government encourage a restructuring of the private business sectors to improve political and economic status out of the over-populated city of Jakarta?
The foreign investors pillage local goods; like coal, oil and gold. The country is in debt. The people in the villages have no funding; health, transport or micro financing. They have not been allocated much of the governments' funds which if reviewed does reflect as "paid in full".
I wonder who's the actual fool being made of here. The transportation system is failing. The roads are deteriorating. High prices impact on daily activities and requirements.
Government officials always have reasons to "justify" this failing country's predicament. Intellectuals hold forums and discussions. The real problem is debt and or funding.
We surely need someone hard-minded, tough, brave, strong, young and vibrant to lead this nation. Indonesians rise, bring up your dignity. Do not brawl in the streets and burn buildings, cars or flags. Do not yell, scream or fight each other. Use the knowledge and yearning in your heart. Burn and kindle the fruits of education. Learn from history's mistakes and do not be gullible. Do not lower yourself to accept bribes and payments for unlawful acts. Be honourable and proud as one nation. Advance with discipline. Anyone with the prerequisites must make the action. Do not give up. "This too will pass."
Lorraine Nur
No comments:
Post a Comment