It is only a matter of time until the beginning of the 2018 Asian Games, to be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2. Preparations for the international sports event continue.
Among the persistent major problems to be tackled is Jakarta’s infamous traffic jams. The expanded odd-even traffic policy in Jakarta’s 13 major thoroughfares is a good initiative to ensure smooth traffic and reduce air pollution in the city.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has issued Gubernatorial Regulation No. 77/2018 on Asian Games traffic restrictions on the city’s streets, which will be in effect between Aug. 18 and Sept. 2. After the Asian Games, the odd-even traffic policy, which does not apply for motorbikes, will be evaluated.
Everyone in Jakarta and Palembang must strive to ensure smooth traffic and public safety during the Asian Games. This, understandably, requires sacrifices, including from those in Jakarta’s surrounding cities. The 2018 Asian Games should be a moment of pride for people in Jakarta, Palembang and other cities across the country. Everyone must be a good host, spread the positive spirit of Asian Games and maintain our dignity as Indonesians.
Being a good host requires sacrifice. The traffic restrictions in Jakarta are part of our collective efforts in using our position as Asian Games host to display our Indonesian values of warmth and hospitality and to prove our preparedness to serve as host. This will surely be a positive promotions for Indonesia as a whole, as well as for Jakarta and Palembang.
The 18th Asian Games this year will involve 45 countries and more than 11,000 athletes competing in 465 sports. Some 9,621 journalists from 570 media outlets will set their eyes upon us. This will be a huge event and we must strive to make it a success.
The 2018 Asian Games is also held in a year of politics ahead of the 2019 Presidential Election. Political contestations and competitions are the core of general elections. However, we do hope that a successful Asian Games will be prioritized over political contestations ahead of the elections.
It is time for political elites to unite and ensure that Jakarta and Palembang become successful hosts for the Asian Games. Set aside all power struggles for now and strive for success together. We hope that Indonesia will become a successful host and a successful participant. We also hope that the Games’ administrative management will be smooth.
Serving as Asian Games host is a momentum for us to unite our resources and ensure success. Thoughts of failing the Games should not cross our minds. Nevertheless, the police and the military should anticipate all potential disruptions during the Games. A successful Asian Games will belong to all of us.