Protested by Residents, Jakarta Provincial Government Cancels Sidewalk Renovation Plan to Reduce Congestion at TB Simatupang

Motorized vehicles are stuck in traffic jams on TB Simatupang Street, Cilandak, Jakarta, Thursday (August 21, 2025). ANTARA/Luthfia Miranda Putri.

JAKARTA - Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno confirmed that the plan to cut half of the sidewalk on TB Simatupang Street to reduce traffic congestion has been canceled. This cancellation was decided after protests from several residents, particularly the Pedestrian Coalition.

Rano admitted that the Jakarta Provincial Government initially planned to demolish part of the sidewalk to use as a temporary roadway, considering that parts of the road on TB Simatupang are occupied by excavation projects.

"In other words, we'll sacrifice the sidewalk first. Not the entire sidewalk. Just a few meters for maneuverability," Rano told reporters on Wednesday, August 27.

The Jakarta Provincial Government then conducted an internal study before executing the sidewalk demolition. The study concluded that the sidewalk reduction was not projected to have a significant impact on reducing traffic congestion on the road.

"After our evaluation, we couldn't continue the sidewalk construction. Because the sidewalk was too short. That's where collaboration is needed," Rano explained.

Previously, the Pedestrian Coalition strongly opposed 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 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 so that people are encouraged to participate in reducing traffic congestion by using mass public transportation, cycling, or walking," Alfred explained.

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