How do most people travel to work where you live?
In urban areas like Jakarta, most people travel to work using motorcycles due to their affordability and ability to navigate heavy traffic. Public transportation, such as TransJakarta buses or commuter trains, is also common, though overcrowded during rush hours. Ride-hailing services like Gojek or Grab are popular for their convenience, offering both car and motorcycle taxi options. Some professionals use private cars, but traffic jams make this time-consuming. Recently, the MRT and LRT systems have gained users as faster, more sustainable alternatives. Cycling and walking are less common, except in neighborhoods with dedicated pathways or shorter distances.
What traffic problems are there in your area?
In my area, traffic congestion is a major issue, especially during peak hours when roads become gridlocked for hours. Motorcycles weaving unpredictably through traffic often lead to accidents and slow movement further. Poor road conditions, like potholes or inadequate drainage causing flooding during rains, worsen delays. Illegal parking on narrow streets blocks lanes, forcing vehicles to merge dangerously. Additionally, limited public transport options push more people to use private vehicles, compounding the problem. Authorities are trying to expand infrastructure, but enforcement of traffic rules and sustainable solutions remain slow.
How do traffic problems affect you?
Traffic problems significantly disrupt daily life where I live. The constant congestion adds hours to my commute, forcing me to leave home extremely early just to avoid peak times. For instance, a 30-minute drive can stretch to two hours during rush hour, draining my energy before work even begins. The stress of navigating chaotic roads, with motorcycles cutting lanes and frequent near-accidents, leaves me mentally exhausted. Additionally, air pollution from idling vehicles worsens my allergies, impacting my health. These issues make me rely heavily on ride-hailing apps, which strain my budget. Overall, traffic doesn’t just waste time—it affects productivity, finances, and well-being.
How would you reduce the traffic problems in your area?
To reduce traffic issues, I’d prioritize expanding reliable public transport like the MRT and TransJakarta to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Building dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian paths would encourage alternatives to cars or motorcycles. Strict enforcement of traffic rules—like penalizing illegal parking or reckless driving—could ease congestion. Promoting flexible work hours or remote work policies would spread out rush-hour traffic. Lastly, subsidizing carpool initiatives or electric vehicle use would lower emissions. These steps, paired with public awareness campaigns, could gradually transform commuting habits.
Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing. You should say: what kind of game or sport it is who you play it with where you play it and explain why you enjoy playing it
The game I enjoy playing the most is badminton, which has been a part of my life since childhood. It’s a fast-paced racket sport that combines agility, precision, and strategy, making it both challenging and exhilarating.
I usually play with my neighbor, Rudi, and my younger siblings. Rudi and I have been playing together for years—we started casually hitting the shuttlecock in our front yard and eventually turned it into a weekly ritual. My siblings join in on weekends, turning our games into lively family-versus-neighbor tournaments.
We play right in front of my house, where we’ve set up a makeshift court. Our street is quiet, with enough space to stretch a net across the driveway. We mark boundaries with chalk and use portable poles to hold the net. Evenings are ideal because the weather cools down, and the streetlights provide just enough illumination to keep playing after sunset.
What I love most about badminton is how it blends fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Physically, it’s a fantastic workout—sprinting to reach the shuttlecock, lunging for dropshots, and jumping for smashes get my heart racing. Mentally, it sharpens reflexes and strategic thinking, as every shot requires quick decision-making. But beyond the exercise, it’s the social joy that stands out. Playing with family and neighbors creates laughter and camaraderie—like when my sister tries (and fails) to imitate professional players’ dramatic dives, or when Rudi trash-talks before losing a close match.
Badminton also feels accessible. Unlike sports that need expensive gear or facilities, all we need are rackets, a net, and a shuttlecock. This simplicity means we can play anytime, turning a boring afternoon into an energetic game. Plus, the thrill of long rallies—where the shuttlecock flies back and forth 20 times before someone scores—is unmatched. It’s those moments of collective suspense and celebration that make badminton more than just a game—it’s a bonding experience.
How have games changed from the time when you were a child?
When I was a child, games were mostly physical and social—like hide-and-seek or soccer in the neighborhood park, where kids gathered outdoors. Now, many games are digital, with children glued to consoles or PCs playing titles like Fortnite or Roblox. Back then, interaction was face-to-face, fostering teamwork and laughter, while today’s online multiplayer games connect friends virtually, often through headsets. Technology has made games more immersive and accessible but also less active, contributing to sedentary habits. Still, some traditional games survive, blending nostalgia with modern twists like app-based versions of hopscotch. The shift reflects how technology reshapes play, for better or worse.
Do you think this has been a positive change?
It’s a mix of positives and negatives. On one hand, digital games enhance problem-solving skills and global connectivity—players collaborate worldwide and learn tech literacy early. However, reduced physical activity and screen addiction are serious downsides. Traditional games taught teamwork and kept us active, which many kids miss today. Ideally, balancing both would maximize benefits: using technology creatively while preserving outdoor play. Without moderation, the shift risks harming both health and social skills.
Why do you think children like playing games?
I think children love playing games primarily because they’re fun and provide a sense of freedom. Games let them explore creativity—like building imaginary worlds or solving puzzles—without real-world consequences. They also crave social interaction, whether competing with friends in sports or bonding over video games. Additionally, games offer instant rewards, such as scoring points or leveling up, which boost their confidence. For many, it’s also an escape from routines like schoolwork, allowing them to relax and recharge. These elements—fun, socializing, achievement, and escapism—make games irresistible to kids.
Do you think competitive games are good or bad for children? In what ways?
Competitive games can be both beneficial and challenging for children. Positively, they teach resilience, teamwork, and goal-setting—skills like handling loss in sports or strategizing in team-based video games build maturity. However, excessive focus on winning may lead to stress, anxiety, or strained relationships if rivalry overshadows fun. Parents and educators play a key role in ensuring balance: emphasizing effort over outcomes and fostering sportsmanship. When managed well, competition motivates growth; unchecked, it risks harming self-esteem. Moderation and guidance make all the difference.
How can games sometimes help to unite people?
Games often unite people by creating shared experiences and common goals. For instance, team sports like football or multiplayer video games require collaboration, breaking down barriers between strangers as they strategize together. Events like neighborhood tournaments or global e-sports competitions foster camaraderie and cultural exchange, connecting people across backgrounds. Even simple board games at family gatherings encourage bonding through laughter and friendly rivalry. By focusing on collective enjoyment rather than differences, games become a universal language that bridges gaps, builds trust, and strengthens communities.
Why is competition often seen as important in today’s society?
Competition is valued today because it drives innovation and progress—companies push boundaries to outperform rivals, leading to advancements in technology, healthcare, and services. It also motivates individuals to improve skills and productivity, fostering personal and professional growth. In economies, competition regulates markets, ensuring better quality and affordability for consumers. Moreover, it’s tied to meritocracy, rewarding effort and talent, which many see as fair. While excessive rivalry can be stressful, society often views controlled competition as essential for dynamism and improvement.
