Oh gosh, paying for parking again
This is a Response to the Pemuda Bersuara Berdaya wikithon
Makassar, as one of the largest cities and economic hubs in Eastern Indonesia, holds significant potential to become an international standard city. However, one persistent issue is hindering the city’s development and frustrating its residents: the increasing number of illegal parking attendants. Not only has their number grown, but their practices are also unfair and burdensome to the public. Currently, parking attendants are not only a financial burden on residents, but they also reduce the convenience and security of daily activities in the city.
Imagine withdrawing Rp50,000 from an ATM, only to be forced to give Rp2,000 to a parking attendant. This means you walk away with only Rp48,000. While Rp2,000 may seem small, when multiplied by daily activities—for instance, if someone stops at 10 different locations in a day, each with a parking attendant—the total paid out reaches Rp20,000 just for parking. That money could be used for more essential things, like buying drinking water or saving for future needs. It becomes an unnecessary burden on residents that could easily be avoided. More troubling is that when valuables are lost in a parking area, the attendants often take no responsibility. They claim that any losses are the individual's responsibility. If that’s the case, what is the point of paying for parking? The role of parking attendants should be to provide security, but this is not the reality. Moreover, there’s a common sentiment among some that "Rp2,000 won’t make you poor." However, those small amounts, when accumulated, can have a significant impact, especially for lower-income communities. The Makassar city government must take immediate and decisive action to address this problem. Several solutions could be implemented. First, the government could eliminate illegal parking attendants and replace the parking system with a more structured one, such as employing official parking officers who are paid through citizens' taxes. This way, residents who shop or stop at public places would no longer have to pay parking fees. This would also increase transparency and accountability. Additionally, the government could strengthen the presence of authorities such as police, transportation officers, or security personnel in public areas. Their presence would ensure the safety and comfort that illegal parking attendants currently fail to provide. With this implemented, residents wouldn’t have to worry about losing their belongings or facing discomfort while parking in public spaces. The existence of illegal parking attendants also fosters an unhealthy social dynamic. Many people view working as a parking attendant as an easy way to make money quickly, without much responsibility. Vehicles that stop for only a moment are charged parking fees, creating the impression that working as a parking attendant is a shortcut to earning income without hard work. This can weaken the work ethic and discourage the pursuit of more productive, sustainable jobs. If Makassar wants to be a world-class city, urban management, including parking, must be improved. Major cities around the world typically have well-developed public transportation systems and organized parking facilities, so residents and tourists don’t have to worry about harmful illegal parking practices. Eliminating illegal parking and implementing better regulations would enhance Makassar’s image as a modern, welcoming city for all.
In conclusion, transforming Makassar from a “Kota Parkir” to a “Kota Dunia” is not impossible. With the right policies and real actions from the government, residents will experience significant benefits. Irresponsible and disruptive parking practices must be eliminated and replaced with an orderly system that supports the city’s growth. This is a crucial step in making Makassar a more comfortable, safe, and world-class city.- Affiliation
- Universitas Negeri Makassar
- Age
- 16-21
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