Jakarta Traffic Starts To Jam Again, But Transportation Agency Does Not Want To Apply Odd-Even License Plate Regulation

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Head of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, Syafrin Liputo, admitted that at this time, the traffic conditions in Jakarta were jammed again during the month of Ramadan. However, at this time there is no odd-even license plate regulation implementation plan.

Syafrin explained, actually, the increase in traffic volume only increased 2 percent from the previous period. However, there is the density at certain times of the month of Ramadan. Many residents do activities at the same time.

"Usually, people leave at 5 or 6 in the morning. Now all of them leave at 7, so there is a simultaneous density. So, everything piles up at almost the same time because on average they come to work at 8", Syafrin told reporters, Wednesday, April 28.

Likewise with the afternoon. Many employees leave work around 3 in the afternoon. They want to go home immediately because they want to break their fast at home.

"Well, these peak times are what really causes congestion. But in terms of the volume of traffic, the increase has not reached a fantastic number", said Syafrin.

However, Syafrin did not want to impose an odd-even license plate regulation system. Because currently all modes of public transportation limit passenger capacity by as much as 50 percent in order to maintain health protocols.

"We understand that the government is trying to get out of the COVID-19 pandemic immediately. But, on the other hand, our public transportation limits passengers to only 50 percent. Therefore, the odd-even license plate regulation has not been operated", he explained.

To disentangle traffic congestion, Traffic Director (Dirlantas) from Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) made arrangements. They direct road users to discipline and order traffic.

"Usually, many people overtake and then try to use spaces that should not be used for motorized vehicles and re-enter the traffic room, that is the cause of congestion. If we are disciplined, of course, the movement of vehicles will be smooth", he concluded.