Jakarta, Indonesia, is not that far different. On the bright side, Jakarta will give you some wonderful experiences. But the crazy pollution and the overwhelming traffic can be more than just a challenge. Don't worry! Here are some tips to cope with those situations:
Things to Do to Cope With Environmental Issues
1. Stay Healthy And Safe
The high pollution in Jakarta is inevitable, especially with the high number of vehicles and population. Be smart about the situation and stay informed. You can keep updated with the air quality index and traffic conditions from government websites or dedicated maps. It will help you a lot to face the issues.
It is always best to stay healthy and safe in this case. Invest in a good-quality mask to fight the pollution and overwhelming dust. Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated. And avoid staying outside during peak pollution hours. And don't forget to join the movement to reduce pollution and traffic by taking commutes, public transportation, or sharing rides.
2. Find Green Spaces
It is amazing to see how well-developed and fast-growing Jakarta is. It is high in population and activities, hence making it a polluted concrete jungle. But behind those grim looks and problems, Jakarta also has a lot of parks and green space. You should explore Jakarta's green space, as it provides you with great contrast in the city.
3. Take A Break
Don't clump yourself with the bad pollution or traffic in Jakarta. Instead, make yourself happy by taking a break at famous locations in Jakarta. You've got theme parks, green spaces, museums, and unique recreation in Jakarta. At least they will show you a different side of Jakarta. You can also go to Taman Literasi Blok M or take a breath of fresh air in Taman Suropati.
4. Embrace the chaos
If you cannot fight the situation, then embrace it. Jakarta, being the capital city of Indonesia, is the center of many things. You've got various cultures, unique lifestyles, destinations, and others. Take it as a different side of Jakarta, which helps you cope with the bad traffic and pollution. Stay positive, patient, and productive, or you can also experience mingling with locals!
5. Be Smart For Your Transportation
As traffic and pollution are a mess that cannot be denied or solved in a day, at least try to decrease the problem. Plan your travel outside during peak hours properly. If you need to go early, then do so! You can also explore alternative routes. Do carpool or rideshare; try bicycles, commuters, or public transportation, so you can reduce the traffic even a little.
As the capital city of Indonesia, you can expect Jakarta to have a lot going on. Anticipate anything good, but also foresee the issues of being a highly populated concrete jungle. While it can be challenging to embrace the situation, try to maintain your positive attitude and be more proactive in it. So you can minimize the impact on your life and be happy for your stay.