PDIP Party Criticizes Anies For Allowing Non-Folding Bikes To Enter MRT: He Is Not Side With The People

DKI Governor Anies Baswedan and his Deputy, Riza Patria (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Jakarta Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) PDIP Party Faction member Gilbert Simanjuntak criticized DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan's policy of allowing non-folding bicycles to enter the Integrated Moda Raya (MRT) train.

According to Gilbert, this policy does not side with the little people. This is because even merchants who carry their goods are not allowed to enter the electric railroad (KRL) because they are considered to be disturbing passengers.

"I do not see this policy as pro-people because serious cyclists are not for styling. Surely they feel strange riding the MRT because their goal is cycling for sports", Gilbert told reporters, Thursday, March 25.

Gilbert asked Anies to take into account the policies that were decided to cover the needs of the entire community, not just the interests of a group of people.

"Bicycles like that enter a train, it seems that they are no longer a means of transportation, but instead a burden of transportation", he said.

Previously, PT MRT Jakarta allowed passengers to enter folding and non-folding bikes onto the Integrated Moda Raya (MRT) train on Wednesday, March 24. DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan took his bicycle to the MRT.

Anies' group used the Ratangga train to the HI Roundabout Station at 06.44 a.m. local time. Arriving at the HI Roundabout Station, the group continued the journey to the City Hall of DKI Jakarta Province by bicycle.

"This morning I was riding my old, non-foldable bicycle to try out non-folding bicycle facilities at MRT stations and cars", said Anies on Wednesday, March 24.

Currently, PT MRT Jakarta provides non-folding bicycle access at three stations, namely Lebak Bulus Grab, Blok M BCA, and HI Roundabout.

At each of these stations, temporary parking facilities are also provided at a number of points such as around ticket vending machines, toilets, and prayer rooms.

However, non-folding bicycle users are only allowed to use the Jakarta MRT outside of peak hours (07.00-9.00 a.m. and 17.00-19.00 p.m.), use train number six in each series, and a maximum of four bicycles per departure. While on Saturdays and Sundays, non-foldable bicycles are allowed during train operating hours. This restriction is carried out in order to reduce the potential for passenger buildup.

For this trial period, non-folding bikes will be provided with a priority area in the last car of the Ratangga series, for a maximum of 4 bikes.

Bicycles that are allowed to enter the car are regular bicycles or those commonly used by residents, with the maximum dimensions allowed, namely 200 centimeters x 55 centimeters x 120 centimeters, with a maximum tire width of 15 centimeters. In addition, tandem bicycles are not allowed.

The MRT applies special hours to transport non-folding bicycles. On Monday-Friday, passengers carrying non-folding bicycles are allowed to ride except during peak hours, namely 07.00-09.00 a.m. and 17.00-19.00 p.m. local time.