Green Map introduces new way to tour Jakarta

Jakartans can now enjoy the excitement of finding interesting , lesser known locations, including green spaces and historical sites, by using environmentally friendly modes of transportation, by following the recently launched 2009 Jakarta Green Map.

The green map includes 100 places of interest and neighborhoods with green activities located along bus and train routes and bicycle lanes.

Nirwono Joga, who coordinated the making of Green Map Jakarta, said that the map was designed to promote a healthy and sustainable city and features, among other things, green areas, old buildings, rare trees and bird-watching sites.

"We want to encourage people to get to know more about Jakarta, including its green areas," Nirwono Yoga said on Sunday.

"We also encourage them to travel in more environmentally friendly ways, by taking nonmotorized transportation, like walking and riding a bike, or by using public transportation, like the TransJakarta bus or trains," he said.

The 2009 Jakarta Green Map is the fifth edition. The first map, of Kemang, South Jakarta, was made in 2001 by a group of residents, architects and media workers. The second, of Kebayoran Baru, also in South Jakarta, was made in 2002. A year later, Menteng in Central Jakarta, had its turn, while the fourth green map, of Old Town in West and North Jakarta, was made in 2005.

The launch of the green map was marked by a tour of Senayan, in South and Central Jakarta and the Museum Taman Prasasti (Inscription Museum) in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

During the tour, participants had a chance to visit Krida Loka Park and see its big, old and rare trees, which include mahogany, lobi-lobi, tamarind, bay leaf and matoa (Papuan fruits) species.

Besides rare trees, people also viewed birds including parrots and kepodangs, Evi Fadliah, from the Green Monster NGO said.