Jalan Tikus is the term people use for short cuts. The
direct translation is "Rat Street". It is associated with how rat tries to
find hidden ways from one kitchen to another without getting caught.
When you drive in Jakarta, you have to master these Jalan
Tikus. Otherwise you will be stucked in traffic jam for hours. Jalan tikus are unofficial
alternative streets that go through sub-urban villages and slum areas behind tall
buildings, most of the time they’re very narrow, no street name, lights or
signs and most of the time the conditions are very bad. How did people find them? A lot of trials and errors! The rule is that you
have to have extra patience and butt-headed, because all vehicles are trying to
fit in at the same time and nobody is going to let no one take over. Still, it
saves time to get to places. I have been exploring jalan tikus since I arrived
here more than main roads.
Since there are hundreds of Jalan Tikus all over Jakarta, would
it be cool to have a GPS map for these streets instead of main roads only?? pics are coming soon!
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