Jakarta, A City of Heroes

Jakarta may be a lot of things: it may be harsh to many, a dream crusher, or even a cold hellhole to grow up in. Even with all those things, people still come here wishing for that side to flip over, gambling for its antipode to be their ace. I’m probably one of those people. I soak in Jakarta’s charm and wear it like a pendant. Little did I know that amid the red-painted town and invisible injuries, Jakarta is actually a city full of heroes.

Two days ago, when I was crossing the street during the red light after work, a motorcycle a few feet from me fell, squeezing its rider awkwardly. People rushed to help in no time. Men and women, adult to middle-aged—all collectively gathered until the biker was back on his feet.

I was stunned by the scene in front of me. Even though I could no longer see the biker, the small crowd surrounding him warmed my heart. There might not be superheroes in real life, but the people there were so ready to help those in need. It made me realize that even when Superman was not real, Clark Kent might be. And he could have been here all the time, taking shapes in various mundane individuals, so close yet indistinguishable to us.

I now understand how a sentence as simple as “not all heroes wear capes” can have a wide range of interpretations. Society often makes us think that a hero should be the one with a superpower. We then follow it like a norm, limiting the word usage so the title gives such an out-of-touch elitist air to a person. Whoever invented that saying, however, knew better. Heroes are not always the ones getting the spotlight. Sometimes they are also unappreciated, forgotten, and even taken for granted...

But that doesn't make them less of a hero, nor does it make the saying less deep, especially when I remember the street sweepers, working hard under the sun to make sure that the street looks clean. Sunburnt but thankful, I once read about a street sweeper proudly telling the news that he could still send his kids to school. I see a lot of bike taxi drivers around me too, navigating the road all day to feed their entire family. Tolerating rude customers must be a day-to-day challenge they have to face. On my way to work, I often pass some street sellers who wake up at dawn to cook and bring all the dishes on foot. It’s heartbreaking to see them refusing to go home before everything is sold.

When I think about Jakarta, I no longer associate it with only the skyscrapers or the stunning nighttime cityscape. My mind now goes to those un-caped heroes with no worshipper instead. Often forgotten, they still do what they have to do to save their own little world. If Superman does heroic things to keep the safety of Metropolis, they do everything in their power to ensure the orderliness of Jakarta so their loved ones could have better lives.

Not all heroes wear capes. Not all heroes need publication. In Jakarta, they only need your kindness.