SPECIAL REPORT

Slums transform overnight into tourist spots

Inspired by success stories in Yogyakarta and Malang, an increasing number of slum areas in major
cities across Indonesia have transformed into new colorful quarters worthy of sightseeing.

A slum neighborhood in Krendang, West Jakarta, was ablaze with colors on a recent afternoon. The
walls of the houses, which lined a sparkling alley, were emblazoned with murals depicting popular
cartoon characters. It appeared that the quarter had shed its stinky image.

Unlike anywhere else in Tambora district, which is notorious for fires, gutters in Krendang became
surprisingly clean — at least by local standards. The alley came to life at around 3 p.m. with lots of
children playing their favorite games in the absence of decent playgrounds.

As locals would proudly recall, the neighborhood unit had the honor to represent West Jakarta after
winning a provincial cleanliness contest. The achievement came as a result of the “Clean and
Colorful Alley” campaign, which brought together the community and encouraged them to keep
their neighborhood more livable.