TB Simatupang Sidewalk Controversy: Jakarta Provincial Government Cuts, Pedestrian Coalition Fights Back

Congestion on TB Simatupang Street, South Jakarta (Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Pedestrian Coalition strongly opposes Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's plan to reduce part of the sidewalk on TB Simatupang Street, South Jakarta, to alleviate the ongoing public complaints about the traffic congestion.

Pedestrian Coalition Coalition Coordinator Alfred Sitorus believes that Pramono is like former Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono, who was criticized for dismantling the pedestrian lane at the Pasar Santa intersection in 2023.

Alfred believes that neither Heru nor Pramono show any concern for pedestrians, as this infringes on their rights as road users.

"Like a virulent virus, it seems that Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono's give-away nature has infected Governor Pramono Anung, who is determined to eliminate bicycle lanes and pedestrian facilities," Alfred said in a statement on Monday, August 25.

According to Alfred, the plan to convert sidewalks into roads is a setback for the development of sustainable transportation in Jakarta.

He emphasized that the Jakarta Provincial Government should address the traffic congestion at TB Simatupang by educating the public about the consequences of using private vehicles.

"So, let's just use a push-and-pull policy so that people are encouraged to participate in reducing traffic congestion by using mass public transportation, cycling, or walking," Alfred explained.

"After all, there's already quite good public transportation available in Jakarta and its surrounding areas. So, it's their own fault if people persist in traffic jams by using private vehicles, whether cars or motorcycles," he added.

For your information, the Jakarta Provincial Government has also begun implementing short-term solutions to ease congestion at TB Simatupang.

One of these is temporarily reducing the sidewalks to make them additional roads. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that he has approved the plan.

"I approve of that, even when it comes to closing or opening toll outlets, I allow it. The most important thing is that the congestion inside is resolved," Pramono said on Saturday, August 23.

According to Pramono, utilizing sidewalks to widen roads occupied by excavation projects at TB Simatupang is a fairly effective solution. Furthermore, he believes the existing pedestrian path is uncomfortable for pedestrians.

"Actually, pedestrians at TB Simatupang are certainly not comfortable right now, because almost every 50 meters of the road is under national construction, and that needs to be addressed," Pramono explained.