Politeness on the Streets

Most Indonesian kids are usually introduced to a narrative about how Indonesians are known as Easterners who uphold politeness in daily lives. I experienced the socialization of such a narrative during my elementary years, but the present realities have stimulated me to renounce its truth. In this case, I would like to highlight how realities on the streets go against it.

How people drive their cars and ride their motorbikes on the streets actually reflect the attitude and behaviour of individuals. The government has stipulated traffic laws in order to provide citizens with safety and comfort on the streets. In essence, the laws oblige drivers and motorists to behave in such ways so as to make streets safe for everybody. If you obey the traffic laws, it reflects your attitude and behaviour as a citizen. You will be regarded as a good and law-abiding citizen. In other words, you are a polite citizen because you show the correct conduct on the street.

In realities, motorists and drivers tend to behave as if they rode or drove on their private property. Therefore, it is very common to find a motorist riding his/ her bike as fast as their machines allow. They do not care about the safety of others. Zebra crosses and refuge islands seem to be regarded as merely street ornaments. As the consequence, it is not always easy for pedestrians to cross the streets. Crossing the streets in most big cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta and Surabaya needs alertness and, often, bravery because motorists and drivers do not stop although you have stepped on the zebra cross. Even crossing at an intersection with traffic lights is not always safe because there can be a motorist or driver violating the red light.

I realize that it will not be easy to change attitude and behaviour on the streets, but I am afraid of how the streets will be when we tolerate improper conducts. Do we want to create killing fields? Therefore, authorities must take important steps in order to make streets safer and more comforts for pedestrians, drivers and riders. Perhaps, there should be ongoing campaigns on “politeness on the streets” as well as strict law enforcement. Last but not least, it is important to show to the kids that the narrative on polite Indonesians is not a false one.