Jakarta, A City of Heroes

Jakarta may be many things: harsh to some, a dream crusher, or even a cold hellhole to grow up in. Yet despite all that, people still come here hoping for the tide to turn, gambling that the city’s flip side will be their lucky break. 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, as I was crossing the street during a red light after work, a motorcycle a few feet from me toppled over, awkwardly pinning its rider. People rushed to help in no time. Men and women, young adults to the 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 may not be superheroes in real life, but the people there were so ready to help someone in need. It made me realize that even if Superman isn’t real, Clark Kent might be. And he could have been here all along, taking shape 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 carry so many interpretations. Society often makes us believe that a hero should have superpowers. We follow that belief like a norm, limiting the word’s use until it gives off this elitist, out-of-touch air. But whoever coined that phrase knew better. Heroes aren’t always the ones in the spotlight. Sometimes, they’re unappreciated, forgotten, and even taken for granted...

But that doesn't make them any less heroic. Nor does it lessen the depth of that saying—especially when I think of the street sweepers, working hard under the scorching sun to keep the streets 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 too, navigating the chaos all day just to feed their families. Tolerating rude customers must be a daily struggle. On my way to work, I often pass street vendors who wake up at dawn to cook, then carry all their dishes on foot. It’s heartbreaking to see them refuse to go home before everything is sold.

When I think of Jakarta now, I no longer picture just the skyscrapers or the stunning nighttime cityscape. My mind goes to those unsung, un-caped heroes. Often forgotten, yet still doing what they must to save their own little world. If Superman does heroic things to protect Metropolis, these people do everything in their power to keep Jakarta running, so their loved ones can live a little better.

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