JPO Sarinah Lift that has been Revitalized Blocks Pedestrian Lane, This is What Pramono Says

DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung inaugurated the revitalization of the Sarinah Pedestrian Bridge (JPO) / PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung inaugurated the revitalization of the Sarinah Pedestrian Bridge (JPO) today. This inauguration was two days behind the target of the end of February which was previously conveyed.

The JPO is said to be the first owned by Jakarta. The bridge was inaugurated on April 21, 1968 by the then Governor of DKI, Ali Sadikin. This JPO was closed in 2022, before finally being reopened after revitalization.

In this revitalization, the DKI Provincial Government added a lift facility to make it easier for disabled groups and people with special needs to access the bus stop. Residents can also continue to use the pelican crossing which is still operated.

"Of course this is historic and today we are revitalizing so that this JPO is disability-friendly and everyone has a choice, whether to use the elevator or use the pelican crossing that we still operate," said Pramono at the JPO Sarinah, Central Jakarta, Monday, March 2.

"So that way, people who like to walk will have the option to cross, but for those with special needs or disabilities can use this and so on," he continued.

However, the existence of the lift has attracted attention because it blocks most of the pedestrian lanes and leaves a narrower space for pedestrians.

In response to this, Pramono said his party had made a request that the JPO access could be directly connected to the Mal Sarinah area. However, this option has not been approved due to considerations for the status of the building as a cultural heritage.

"Actually we have offered this JPO to enter directly into (in the mall area) Sarinah. But Sarinah is a heritage, a cultural reserve, so they still want to maintain it," he explained.

Therefore, the DKI Provincial Government also plans to widen the pedestrian lane at the location by about 2.6 meters so that the space for pedestrians is wider and more comfortable.

"Later, this pedestrian will be expanded by approximately 2.6 (meters) so that this road will become a pedestrian, it will be wider, wider," explained Pramono.

Furthermore, Pramono hopes that this ease of access can encourage community activities towards the Sarinah area, which has a cultural heritage status.

"We want this to be true because Sarinah is a heritage, so that people's choice to shop or go to Sarinah will become easier," he concluded.