Hello and welcome to a new year and a brand new decade! A lot of things has changed in the course of year; Indonesia survived a general election, announced new capital city, saw its first mass rapid transportation came to reality, yet somehow, many has also stood still. Some bad news and good news in the last few weeks have ushered us in as we walk into the new year, and into the new decade.
No one wants to start the new year with a somber note, but sadly, that's what thousands of Jakartans had to cope with on the first day of 2020. Last week's flood, the worst that in 7 years, forced more than 170,000 people out of their homes and even claimed as many as 66 lives.
Not only in Jakarta, the heavy rainfall has also brought flooding to West Java and Bengkulu that was also caused by heavy rainfall and poor waterway system. Moreover, the Indonesian Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has predicted more rain in the coming week, and that there's no sign of it slowing down throughout until the coming months. A weather alert at the US Embassy's website warns unusually heavy rainfall through January 12, 2020 for Greater Jakarta area. Expect thunderstorms and strong winds with possible flooding, landslides, and even power outages.
But let's not get bogged down by the rain; good news was announced yesterday as the Jakarta administration finally (re)-issued the long-awaited ban on plastic bags, both for retail and traditional market starting in June this year, as reported by the Jakarta Post. It's a good start for Jakarta to get with the program to combat single plastic use.
Before signing off, let me remind you to have a look at our featured articles this month; Our first Jakarta New Tables in 2020 brings you new places to explore in this new decade, and how about a look at this year's most anticipated concerts and festivals of 2020 that we're all excited about.
Here's one more cheer to twenty-twenty, and hope you have a good rest of the week!
Cheers,  Jessica Januarty
Chief Operating Officers
www.WhatsNewIndonesia.com | 
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