JPO Sarinah Criticized, Transjakarta: Does Not Remove Pelican Crossing, Functions as an Additional Option

JAKARTA - The construction of the Sarinah Pedestrian Crossing Bridge (JPO) which is being carried out by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has been criticized by a number of parties. This project is considered to have the potential to eliminate pedestrian crossing facilities on the road surface, especially pelican crossings in the Sarinah area, Central Jakarta.

Transjakarta President Director Welfizon Yuza emphasized that the assumption was not appropriate. He ensured that the construction of the JPO Sarinah did not remove existing facilities and instead added access options for pedestrians.

"The construction of the JPO Sarinah will not eliminate the existing facilities. Pelican crossing will continue to operate normally for pedestrians on the road surface," said Welfizon in his statement, Monday, January 12.

According to Welfizon, the existence of JPO Sarinah is designed as an additional option that is integrated with public transportation in the central city area. This integration is expected to facilitate the mobility of people who use public transportation, especially in areas with high traffic density.

"Thus, JPO Sarinah will serve as an additional option that is integrated with public transportation, while restoring its historical value as the first JPO in Indonesia," he said.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, continued Welfizon, also places the aspect of inclusiveness as the main focus in the revitalization of the JPO Sarinah. This revitalization not only targets the crossing function, but also ensures that all layers of society can access the facility safely and comfortably.

He explained that vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women are of special concern in planning the JPO facility. For this reason, the Sarinah JPO will be equipped with an elevator to facilitate access without having to use stairs.

"Our main focus is to ensure that the disabled, elderly, and pregnant women have safe and comfortable facilities to cross in the densely populated area through the provision of elevators," he said.

Previously, the Pedestrian Coalition criticized the redevelopment of JPO Sarinah. In 2022, Anies Baswedan dismantled and closed JPO Sarinah with aesthetic considerations for the city. This step was taken so that the view towards the Welcome Statue and the rows of historic buildings around it would not be obstructed.

As a replacement, at that time the DKI Provincial Government built a pelican crossing which was considered more friendly for people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women because it carried the principle of equality on the road surface.

According to the Pedestrian Coalition, the decision to rebuild JPO Sarinah during Pramono's leadership has created a paradox in city planning.

At a location that had previously been adapted to the concept of road safety through pelican crossings, the policy of reviving JPO is considered to reflect a step backwards. Pedestrians are once again positioned as the party who must adapt to motor vehicles, not the other way around.

By returning the JPO, the Pedestrian Coalition considers the DKI Provincial Government under Pramono's leadership as prioritizing the smooth flow of vehicles over the experience and comfort of pedestrians. This marks a setback from the principle of the city that places humans at the center of road space planning.