Sidewalk Reduction at TB Simatupang, Pramono: It's Not Suitable for Walking

Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung (Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has clarified the planned sidewalk reduction on Jalan TB Simatupang, which is being opposed by the Pedestrian Coalition. Pramono emphasized that the sidewalk to be demolished is not actually used by pedestrians as a pedestrian path.

"So, what is meant by sidewalks are sidewalks that are not in use, sidewalks that are not currently being used because of a project there. And those sidewalks cannot be used for pedestrians," Pramono said in the Cakung area, East Jakarta, on Monday, August 25.

Furthermore, according to Pramono, not the entire pedestrian path on Jalan TB Simatupang will be reduced, but only those in the excavation project area. This is being done to increase the width of the road occupied by the project area.

"There are indeed three projects under construction there. So, the sidewalks that can be used are not the entire sidewalk, but only the sidewalks currently used for those projects. Indeed, they cannot be used for walking," Pramono explained.

On that occasion, Pramono revealed that the Jakarta Provincial Government is also working to expedite work on Jalan TB Simatupang to ensure its completion. These include the drinking water pipeline capacity project by Perumda PAM Jaya, the Jakarta Sewerage Development Project (JSDP), or the construction of a wastewater treatment plant by Perumda Paljaya, and the excavation work for the Integrated Utility Network System (SJUT) by the Public Works Agency.

"The Jakarta government aims to complete the project by November, ensuring smooth traffic flow on TB Simatupang," Pramono said.

Previously, the Pedestrian Coalition strongly opposed Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's plan to reduce part of the sidewalk on Jalan TB Simatupang, South Jakarta, to alleviate the ongoing public complaints about the congestion.

Pedestrian Coalition Coordinator Alfred Sitorus believes that the plan to convert the sidewalk into a road is a setback for the development of sustainable transportation in Jakarta.

He emphasized that the Jakarta Provincial Government should address the congestion on TB Simatupang by educating the public about the consequences of private vehicle use.

"So, let's just leave it as a push-and-pull policy, encouraging people 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 our own fault if people persist in traffic jams by using private vehicles, whether cars or motorcycles," he added.