Page 16 - JaKita 03rd Edition 2021

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Harrison Ford

ost of us know Harrison Ford from the government and the residents, to handle traffic
series Indiana Jones, a Hollywood-made congestion especially in cities as big as Jakarta.
Marcheologist whose journeys in finding Take a look at Muhammad Husni Thamrin and
treasures were fraught with danger. What we feel Jenderal Sudirman streets, which accommodate
or sense towards this explorative, eccentric and the governmental and economic activities in our
often-emotional character is somewhat similar capital city of Jakarta. There are two monumental
with the feelings we have when we are stuck in statues to mark kilometer-2.5 on Thamrin street
traffic. One of UK tabloids, Daily Mail, on September and kilometer-4 on Sudirman street: Nyoman
12th 2017 issued a news of Ford jumped out of his Nuarta’s Arjuna Wiwaha statue at Bank Indonesia
limo and turned into traffic cop, as he tried to direct roundabout area and Edhi Sunarso’s Pemuda
cars which had built up in a street in New York, Membangun statue at Senayan roundabout area.
US, following a car accident. Dressed in suit and
sunglasses, he ordered drivers to move lanes, while Among the two areas lies the best and safest
the bewildered drivers and incredulous passersby track for cycling in Jakarta. Just grab your helmet
saw the celebrity’s behaviour. Once his limo was and try riding your bicycle, then enjoy the view of
finally out of the congested lane, he got back into city skyscrapers and bunches of flowers on the
his car. tracksides. If you don’t have one, borrow one from
Bike Sharing app.
I personally wouldn’t be able to copy Harrison
Ford in coping with congested traffic, one of that The walkways of Sudirman and Thamrin streets
I’ve experienced in Rancaekek street, West Java, are also pedestrian-friendly: they are wide,
in July 24th, 2014. It was the second day of Eid. designed with good floorings and vehicle-free. It is
On a whim, I invited my family to have vacation best to take a walk in the morning, where you can
at Pangandaran beach. What I didn’t expect was sunbathe from the healthy, warm sunshine. Or you
the long trip we got ourselves into: we get on a can take a walk in the evening to catch sunset. If
bus from Kampung Rambutan bus terminal and you get tired while cycling or walking, just head to
arrived at Pangandaran beach the next day. In the the nearest Transjakarta bus stop or MRT station,
middle of those 19 hours-long trip, we bought cups where you can have a quick and comfortable trip
of instant noodles—prepared by the seller amid the since they have freeways, and equipped with air
congested traffic in Rancaekek—and enjoyed our conditioners.
meal on the bus to stop the growling stomach.
Pedestrians, cyclists, electric vehicle users and
That is two different types of response in facing public transport passengers are set to be the first
traffic congestion. The 75 year old Harrison Ford priority in our capital city of Jakarta, then followed
took initiative to direct cars amid the congested by the personal vehicle users—an adjusment
traffic in New York City. While me, 30 years younger by the city government that successfully made
than him, was helpless to face the risk of getting Jakarta out of the list of top 10 congested cities
vacation during Eid holidays. worldwide, and also a policy that is welcomed and
appreciated by the citizens.
It takes bunch of initiatives, both from the Ramdan Malik

EDISI 3
3rd EDITION 2021TAHUN 2021
Sarana Informasi Pemerintah Provinsi DKI Jakarta
Sarana Informasi Pemerintah Provinsi DKI Jakarta