TRAFFIC IN JAKARTA.....HORRIBLE MOTORCYCLISTS!!!

By Julia F. Lonan

One of the thing I hate about traffic in Jakarta is......(everybody together now)....the motorcycles. No offense to those who own motorcycle...and I have nothing against these people after they open their helmet....it's just, after they put on their helmet and started their engines.....somehow...they changed!!! They become these horrible, impatient, "I must be in front of everyone at all cost", "hold on I must pass first", "I can't stop nor be inline" and incredibly selfish "speed demons".

Why did you say I accused them in such a way...well, let's examine the facts (I only listed five, although I can go on and on):

1) When everyone is waiting for the red light....all the motorcyclists race to be in front of all the cars, even if they, pass the white stopping line, close up the zebra cross, and close the other ways of the junction....hell...other pedestrians or cars can find other ways....

2) If the street is a one way street (such as in Jl. DR Sahardjo, Manggarai, Jakarta), somehow the motorcyclists feel that it is "ok" to go against the flow of traffic because the 'U' turn is to far away and/or they think they are just a "small" motorcycle that will not bother the flow of the traffic....oh and don't forget, they can use the pedestrian walk or crossing because they are small....kinda like a bicycle...only with motors....no biggie...

3) If a car hit a motorcyclist it is always the car's fault, no matter if the motorcyclist went against the flow of the traffic and broke the traffic law....this is because the car is "bigger" and they should've "seen the smaller" motorcycle.....

4) Somehow, zooming in between and around the traffic, whether is moving or stopping, is the "norm" of being a motorcyclists....if you follow the traffic rules, regulations and laws then you are a stupid motorcyclist. Ooo and it is okay to use the pedestrian walk during traffic jam...because they are small...kinda like a bicycle...only with motors....no biggie...

5) Motorcyclist can 'U' turn anywhere even though it is a small gap in the median, a turn with no 'U' turn sign or a beautiful bed of flower or shrubs in the middle of the road....they don't want to find a proper 'U' turn because proper 'U' turn is too far away for the small motorcycles....you are an idiot to follow the rule....

I feel that the motorcycle need to have a tougher law, regulation and punishment....however, I don't know how the government can regulate these people because somehow everyone who put on a helmet and ride a motorbike turn from being smart and intelligent persons that they are....into a horrible and stupid monsters that  jeopardize their safety and everyone else who has the same right to use the road; and this include the officer of the law, the traffic officers and the police themselves. The motto here is "if you cannot beat them....join them".....so now what???