Urban Residents' New Lifestyle, Exploring Jakarta Without Private Vehicles

Jakarta Urban Mobility Festival 2025 press conference (Adelia/VOI)

JAKARTA - Enjoying the journey in Jakarta without loud horns, no pollution due to exhaust smoke, and without stress due to traffic jams is indeed everyone's dream. Not a few people want to take public transportation that comes on time and get the best facilities.

But all of this is no longer just a dream, but a real vision was introduced by the Jakarta Urban Mobility Festival 2025, which was officially opened today at Pasaraya Blok M. More than just a festival, this event is a call for Jakarta residents to reimagine the way they move and move in the city.

The festival also voiced the urgency of the transformation of Jakarta as a global city. In his remarks, DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that infrastructure and transportation development is one of the main priorities in Jakarta's journey to other locations.

"Jakarta as an agglomeration city with high mobility is in the transformation phase into a global city," Pramono said, when met at Pasaraya Blok M, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru on Dictionary, April 25.

"We believe that the development of an integrated and sustainable public transportation system will become one of the game changers in realizing Jakarta as a global competitive city," he continued.

British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey in his remarks emphasized the importance of sustainable public transportation as the backbone of the city so that the future will be even better.

"Continuous public transportation is one of the most effective tools we have to build a cleaner, inclusive, and connected city. This helps reduce emissions, relieve congestion, and improve access to work, education, and essential services," he said.

"The UK is proud to support the Provincial Government of Jakarta in its efforts to create a future where more people choose public transportation, not only because it is better for the planet, but also because it makes everyday life easier, healthier, and more affordable for all," he continued.

This festival is organized by the Indonesian Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) in collaboration with UK PACT, a climate partnership from the British Government. For three days, visitors can take part in workshops, watch interactive exhibitions, and be involved in expert discussions about environmentally friendly urban mobility.

But more than that, this festival also voiced the urgency of Jakarta's transformation as a global city. Statistics show that Transjakarta now reaches more than 85% of Jakarta's territory and covers 91.6% of the population, while MRT and LRT are also expanding the reach of public transportation.

But the harsh reality is, there are still many residents who choose private vehicles. This is why the Traffic Need Management (MKLL) policy is the main focus of this festival.

This policy includes the application of low emission areas (LEZ), electronic paid road systems (ERP), and parking reforms. The goal is simple but crucial, namely reducing dependence on private vehicles.

"The MKLL policy is a medium to long-term strategy that requires careful planning and gradual implementation," explained Gonggomtua Sitanggang, Director of Southeast Asia ITDP.

"But the most important thing is to strengthen inclusive and institutionally integrated public transportation services, tariffs, and infrastructure, especially for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, women, and children," he continued.

According to ITDP, if ERP is implemented properly, Jakarta can reap additional funds that can be invested in improving public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure. Not only that, LEZ's policy has the potential to save lives from reducing the death rate due to respiratory disease.

The Jakarta Urban Mobility Festival 2025 is not just an annual event, but a symbol of a big movement towards a better future city. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities, this festival invites us to take a moment to look at Jakarta's healthier, more affordable, and friendly vision for all its residents. This festival is open to the public from April 24 "26".