In recent years, Indonesia has seen a rise in viral spots, rice field cafés, roadside photo ops, and even a hilltop in Bekasi called Bukit Hyundai, known for its view of the Hyundai factory and rows of parked cars, now turned into makeshift tourist attractions. While these places may seem amusing at first, they reflect a deeper issue: the scarcity of accessible and inclusive public spaces in the country.
Why Are Indonesians Flocking to Absurd Destinations?
In major cities like Jakarta, green public spaces still exist, though often insufficient, but in many suburban areas, malls and commercial developments dominate the landscape. For lower-income communities, malls are not just financially out of reach but also socially alienating. The fear of being judged, of appearing “out of place” in spaces filled with luxury brands and pricey eateries, creates an invisible barrier.
As a result, many seek out alternative forms of recreation, ones that are low-cost, casual, and socially non-threatening, even if they offer little substance. These makeshift viral spots, while often lacking basic amenities or safety, become popular precisely because there’s little else available.
Littering and Vandalism: A Symptom of a Broken System
Criticisms of Indonesians for littering or vandalizing public places are widespread. While such behavior should not be excused, the root causes deserve closer scrutiny. In countries with well-maintained public infrastructure, green spaces, and clear civic education, citizens tend to respect communal spaces more. It’s not just about personal discipline, it’s about the systems that shape behavior.
In Indonesia, many people grow up without proper environmental education. Trash bins are scarce. Public maintenance is inconsistent. Rules often exist without enforcement. Consequently, the culture of care toward public spaces struggles to take root. Worse, individuals who attempt to maintain cleanliness or speak up about rules are often dismissed as “pretentious” or “self-righteous.”
To blame the people without first addressing the systemic failures is misguided. Civic behavior improves when governments provide the right environments for citizens to thrive in.
Corruption: The Underlying Disease
At the heart of all these issues lies a single, pervasive cause: corruption. Why is development skewed toward shopping malls and luxury apartments instead of parks and community centers? Why are citizens offered short-term distractions instead of long-term solutions? Because public funds are too often diverted for private gain.
Countries like South Korea and Singapore once faced poverty. What set them apart was long-term investment in public infrastructure, education, technology, and healthcare. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, social assistance programs are frequently used as political tools rather than genuine efforts to tackle root problems. The result? Stagnation and growing inequality.
As long as corruption continues to thrive, the vision of “Indonesia Emas 2045”, a golden future after a century of independence, will remain a mere fantasy. The country risks heading instead toward a more likely reality: “Indonesia Cemas 2045”, an anxious nation burdened by unresolved injustice and a lack of clear direction.
What Needs to Change?
True progress requires bold and simultaneous action. These are the most urgent steps:
- Eradicate corruption: It is the root cause of institutional decay and widespread inequality.
- Reform the justice system: Ensure laws are applied equally, regardless of social class or power.
- Confiscate corrupt assets: Punishments must be meaningful to deter future wrongdoing.
- Invest in education: An informed public is harder to deceive.
- Rebuild public healthcare: A nation’s success is measured not just by GDP, but by the well-being of its people.
The first three are essential to cleanse a broken system. The last two are vital to rebuilding a healthy society. Without tackling both corruption and social investment, no reform will be sustainable.
Don’t Give in to Apathy
Indonesians may feel powerless against entrenched systems. Frustration is understandable. But silence is the ally of corruption. Those in power benefit when the people give up hope or stop believing change is possible.
Change begins with awareness, with collective resistance to the idea that corruption is “just the way things are.” When citizens stay vigilant, ask hard questions, and demand accountability, the walls protecting the corrupt begin to crack.
Let us not leave a crumbling nation to the next generation, simply because we were too tired, too discouraged, or too afraid to speak out.
