Jakarta’s Traffic, Again
I am a motorcycle rider just like several hundred thousand (or even millions perhaps) other people in and around Jakarta who rely on a motorcycle to get to work. I’ve been riding a motorcycle since my university days which counts to around twelve years of motorcycle riding experience.
It was quite an experience. I’ve been through all kinds of traffic, from the most crowded that not even a motorcycle can pass through Jakarta’s peak hours during morning and evening commute, to the most deserted well past the middle of the night. I’ve also been through the worst kind of rain and heat, even riding through street with burn marks after the riot in Jakarta, around 10 years ago.
I had the unique experience of ‘meeting’ all kinds of motorcycle rider with their distinct characteristics. If there is one thing I don’t like is how easy it is to obtain a driving license in Jakarta. I met a lot of people that can ride a motorcycle but lack the attitude that is required of every sane motorcycle rider.
Riding a motorcycle in Jakarta is very hazardous and can be considered as a survival of the fittest. Most riders here have too much brawn but too little brain; too much ego but too little patience. Eat or be eaten and me, me, me kind of attitude. They even get mad at you if you bump unto them even though it was their fault in the first place.
It is not only the riders, but the pedestrians are as bad if not worse than the riders. They crossed the street while the traffic light is green, or even they just crossed the road whenever and wherever they like. It’s that most people who live in Jakarta didn’t have the right mentality to live in a city.
I don’t know if they can be educated or not, but I believe trying to educate them is futile. People don’t seem to care much for other people nowadays. It is quite rare to see a well mannered and well behaved rider or pedestrian here. Oh well, I just have to live with it, I guess….
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Image courtesy of FreeFoto.com.
