JAKARTA - Member of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Hardiyanto Kenneth, regrets the attitude of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government which prioritizes bicycle users. This criticism is related to Governor Anies Baswedan's statement about cyclists who are more risky than motorized vehicle drivers, so it must be prioritized.
"I don't agree with the opinion expressed by Mr. Anies, regarding motorists being asked to be more respectful of cyclists who pass on the road, in my opinion if cyclists have ethics and manners in driving on the road, there will be no conflict and prolonged negative opinions like today. ," said Kenneth as quoted by Antara, Sunday, June 6.
According to the member of the PDI-P faction, Anies should also be able to pay attention to data, realities and possible effects that may arise in the future.
"Don't be impressed with cyclists. Many DKI residents still use motorbikes and cars, and the vehicles they use pay taxes every year for DKI Jakarta's PAD (Regional Original Income), with this PAD money that can be used for development in DKI Jakarta, then, what kind of bike is that," said Kenneth.
According to Kenneth, if it is only to reduce congestion and air pollution in Jakarta, it should be done through good socialization and education and using language that is easy to understand.
"If you want to urge people to ride bicycles, in order to reduce congestion and air pollution, not in a feudal way like this, don't tell the difference between 'road bike' or non 'road bike', not all people can buy expensive bicycles. With a strategy like This, it seems that Pak Anies is forcing and doesn't give the community any other choice," he said.
Kent, as he is called, admits that he likes to use a bicycle in his spare time just to exercise. However, he is not like the arrogant cyclists on the road and do not obey the rules and applicable laws.
"I also play bicycles, but it's not like that. Look at the time and conditions when playing bicycles, don't just go on the road without regard to the rights of other road users," he said.
"I've also often noticed that these road bike and non road bike users are often grouped together on the road in a nonchalant way, then is it appropriate for those who are still in a pandemic condition to cycle in groups?," continued Kent.
"Is the DKI Provincial Government sure that such behavior will not cause the spread of the COVID-19 virus? What if someone has been infected and becomes a new cluster? Has Pak Anies thought carefully about this?," said Kent.
In a pandemic like this, everything is very sensitive. So you have to be very careful in making a policy, you have to be able to think comprehensively and be able to accommodate the interests of all DKI Jakarta residents, so you don't get the impression that the policies made seem one-sided.
"Don't make policies that are unfair, you have to think about the interests of all the people of DKI Jakarta. Before the policy is executed, you should first ask the people of DKI, whether they agree or not," he said.
"Are there more benefits than disadvantages? Can't make policies unilaterally like this which will eventually become a prolonged negative polemic as it is today," said Kent.
"Because the Governor of DKI Jakarta is like a father to the people of DKI Jakarta, the people of DKI Jakarta are his children. So they must be able to make wise rules, prioritize the principle of social justice, so that all people of DKI Jakarta can feel the benefits," said Kent.
Therefore, Kent asked the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to evaluate the route policy intended for cyclists who use a budget of Rp. 73 billion.
Moreover, he mentioned that Anies intends to add a line of up to 500 kilometers (km).
"However, the bicycle paths that have been made are not used optimally, there is no bicycle parking space, there is still a need for new bicycle lanes to be made," he said.
The reality is that cyclists rarely use the bicycle path that has been made. In fact, they use the road more often to interfere with the rights of other road users, so what's the point of still wanting to add more bicycle lanes?," he said.
Kent also suggested that if there is more budget in terms of making bicycle lanes, it is better to focus on handling COVID-19 and flood prevention. Because the two problems are very important (urgent).
"Mr. Anies has never thought about the feelings of the people of DKI, how will they feel if money is used for wasteful and useless projects? If there is more budget, my advice is to focus first on handling COVID-19 and overcoming floods. These two things are more urgent at this time. Right now, in my opinion, the economy is still difficult," he said.
Currently, all levels of Jakarta residents are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, so even for daily needs it is quite difficult, residents have to rack their brains to be able to support their families.
"If the middle and lower class people are told to buy bicycles at this time with the aim of following Pak Anies' policies in tackling congestion and air pollution, they will certainly not be able to, when this pandemic is over, they will focus on other things. In essence, This bicycle path is not urgent, there should be no need for additional new bicycle lanes, making a policy must also be more realistic and with sane thinking," he said.
Previously, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Rasyid Baswedan, said that road users who are more at risk than motorized vehicle drivers are cyclists. Therefore, Anies asked motorcyclists and other larger vehicles to respect the riders.
"I hope that all of you follow, if you ride a bicycle, there is a bicycle lane, use that lane. If you are on a motorcycle, see those who ride bicycles, understand that this is more risky, both on a bicycle than riding a motorcycle, respect him. Likewise other large vehicles," said Anies Baswedan at the 2021 National Road Safety Week event at the Ministry of Transportation.
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