Traffic jam everywhere..

Jakarta - The flight to Jakarta on SQ was pleasant. SIA had some special seats in front row economy that are more spacious. I was able to put my leg out and not touch the front seat - it was comfortable but for only a short while of about 1hr 20 minutes. I met up with my channel partners outside the airport near McDonalds and the weather was hot. It has been more than 10 years (my last trip to Jakarta was June 1997) since I have been back to Jakarta and not much has change especially the traffic - looks like it got worse. Travelling around Jakarta is a nightmare in a constant traffic jam. 2 hrs in a traffic jam is quite normal for road warriors salesman - in the car you can see cars coming to the main road from the right and left, further down the road more cars are making U-turn...it was quite a scene that brought back memories. KL and Bangkok traffic jams look junior compared to Jakarta and I think it was because the subway and light rail helped alleviate the traffic. People use the rail and thus do not need to drive everywhere and this eases the traffic jams. At strategic locations, Jakarta has self-appointed traffic wardens that guide cars coming out of small lanes into the main road and for their service they get a small tip. At traffic junctions, there are many street touts selling peanuts, water, pineapple, newspapers, etc...it's risky business with cars manoeuvring in and out of lanes. 

According to the data of WHO every year an estimated 3 million people die because of air pollution or about 5% of the 55 million deaths annually world wide. 1,500 millions of the premature deaths occur in Asian cities. Many more suffer serious health effects from air pollution. The working lives of many are shortened by health problems from breathing filthy air.

Six of the world’s 15 most polluted cities are found in Asia. The top positions go to

#1. Katmandu, Nepal,

#2. New Delhi, India,

#3. Jakarta, Indonesia is tied together with Chongqing, China.

#5. Calcutta, India. A third of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions are puffed out in this region. 

 Accommodation was the Le Meridien Jakarta Hotel @ Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 18-20 - this is a 5-star hotel located in Central Jakarta. They have courteous and helpful staff. The rooms are very clean and spacious. The only problem is that I had a smoking room and you can still smell the strong smoke residue in the room, even though I requested for a non-smoking room. We were so busy that we have a late lunch @ 3pm but it was worth the wait because it was Satay @ Sate Khas Senayan. This restaurant is popular with Indonesians and foreigners alike, with good satay - they had mutton, chicken and chicken skin satay. Their tofu goreng is also tasty and uniquely cooked. I had a very sweet drink of iced red jelly with slices of Avocado - high recommended to try this drink. It has been all about traffic because I spent more time in the car than outside....cheers.