Bicycle Lane Polemic, Anies And Ahok Are Compared: The Previous Governor Built Semanggi Bridge

JAKARTA - Member of the PDIP faction of the DKI DPRD, Gilbert Simanjuntak, agrees with National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo's wish that the permanent bicycle lane on Sudirman-Thamrin street should be dismantled.

"The National Police Chief supports the dismantling of the bicycle lane because there is a study from the Traffic Directorate and public complaints. I think it's the right decision," Gilbert told VOI, Thursday, June 17.

Gilbert admitted that from the beginning the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, planned that the bicycle lane would not involve discussions with DPRD members.

He understands that the creation of a bicycle lane that costs Rp30 billion does not use DKI APBD funds because it comes from corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, after all, the designation cannot be arbitrary.

Gilbert gave an example of how former DKI Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) used CSR funds to build public facilities that were considered more needed by many parties.

"In the previous governor's period, CSR funds were used to build flats up to the Semanggi Bridge. But this is used to make permanent bicycle lanes and bicycle monuments," said Gilbert.

"In my opinion, this is without a study, because it is not the needs of the community but the needs of a group of people. So this then invites the problem of victims (accidents)," he added.

Previously, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR Ahmad Sahroni asked the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit to review the permanent bicycle lane on Jenderal Sudirman-MH Thamrin street that was created by the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan.

"Please Mr. Chief of Police to evaluate the permanent bicycle path that already exists in Sudirman-Thamrin," said Sahroni, during a working meeting of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives with the National Police at the Parliament Building.

In fact, Sahroni suggested that the permanent bicycle lane with a program cost of Rp30 billion be dismantled. Because, apart from being prone to accidents, the permanent lane makes it difficult for other vehicles if the traffic is heavy.

"Please, the National Police Chief and his staff, especially the Traffic Corps here to address the permanent route, to be reviewed. If necessary, it will be dismantled and all road users can use the road," he said.

Responding to this, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo agreed with the proposal from Commission III of the DPR RI which asked for permanent bicycle lanes to be dismantled.

"In principle, related to bicycle lanes, we will continue to look for the right formula. We agree that the permanent (lane) problem should be dismantled," said Sigit.