There was a row of shabby dwellings right next to the railroad tracks

Shabby dwellings built right next to the railroad tracks — Railroad tracks running through Jakarta's Kota district

Under a blue sky, I was walking on the railroad tracks stretching from Jakarta's Kota station. Although it was pleasant to walk on the tracks in the sunshine, I had to avoid the train if it came. But, fortunately or unfortunately, few trains seem to pass by. I proceeded leisurely along the tracks. I remember that in Sri Lanka, all the locals used to walk back and forth on the tracks. The tracks without trains were just a road that was difficult to walk on.

Houses were built next to the tracks. They looked like houses, even though the area was not really meant to be residential. In layman's terms, it was as if they were illegally occupying the property owned by the railroad company. In any city, there are often poor people living on the banks of rivers or beside railroad tracks. This place seems to be one of them.

There are no fences in front of the houses built beside the railroad tracks. As soon as you open the front door, you are immediately on the railroad tracks. Despite the danger, many young children play between the house and the railroad tracks. I wonder if the children can judge whether a train is coming or not, and whether it is safe for them to go out on the railroad tracks. Probably not. I can't help but feel pity for the driver who has to run the train while such defenseless children are playing around. When I think of the sound of the train whistle and brakes, the feelings of both the defenseless children and the driver weigh heavily on my mind.

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