I began using public transportation in the near end of April due to high parking cost in my office building. There are many other considerations, such as 3 in 1 regulation and super bad traffic jam. It’s definitely not comfortable to use public transportation in Jakarta. It’s more like having no other option than voluntarily using public transportation. No wonder, despite the expensive parking fee rate, many people still prefer to ride their own vehicle. Seems like the trade-off option isn't tempting enough to most middle-class and upper middle class people in Jakarta (and Bekasi, Tangerang, Bogor, Depok).
Basically, whether you ride on a public transportation or your own vehicle (car or motorcycle), the traffic jam is always there to pissed you off. It makes you stress and it's definitely irritating. But, it's far more comfortable inside your own vehicle. Soft seat, plus a fluffy pillow, maybe? The cool wind from the air conditioner. And any kind of music (or even movie) you wish to hear or watch. They accompany you through the traffic.
How about riding a public transportation? Well, based on my experience.. You might standing by your own two feet all the way through the traffic until it's time for you to take off from the bus. Even worse, there are always more passengers inside than it's actual capacity. You're pressed until there's no distance between you and the person standing beside you. You can see what's written in their cellphone's screen. Or if i'm allowed to exaggerate it, you can hear their breath. No one really care how very uncomfortable that is because everyone wants to get home as soon as possible. Not all bus has air conditioner. Even if it has, what can you expect if there are too many people inside the four-wheeled-cube?
That's what happens when the weather is hot and humid without rain. When it's raining, the situation worsen. The traffic jam becomes worse than ever. Even a motorcycle couldn't pass through. Walking is sometimes the fastest way to reach your home. But, you have to bare with the rain. You'll get wet, especially if it's a heavy rain.
Well that's the sad story. However, there's always something i love from taking a public transportation : i am able to observe people, to see people with various backgrounds. Sometimes there's something funny and interesting about how people behave, interact with strangers, and react towards something. There are lots of stories to tell afterwards.
This post isn't about me answering the question of why people are being persistent in living and working in Jakarta. Because i haven't figure it out as well. What i have mentioned above regarding to traffic jam and uncomfortable public transportation are two things that finally made my mind asking the question.
Maybe those are not big problems to many people that work and live in Jakarta. Because people keep coming here and urging their relatives to come to Jakarta with them. Are you one of them? So, what's your reason?
