DPR-Kapolri Agree On Permanent Bike Paths Built By Anies Baswedan For IDR 30 Billion To Be Dismantled

National Police Chief General Idham Azis Raker with Commission III of the House of Representatives (Photo: Police Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives Ahmad Sahroni asked the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit to review the permanent bicycle lane on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman-MH Thamrin that was created by the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan.

"Please Mr. Chief of Police to evaluate the permanent bicycle path that already exists in Sudirman-Thamrin," said Sahroni, during a working meeting of Commission III of the DPR RI with the National Police at the Parliament Building, Senayan, Wednesday, June 16.

In fact, Sahroni suggested that the permanent bicycle lane with a program cost of Rp30 billion be dismantled. Because, apart from being prone to accidents, the permanent lane makes it difficult for other vehicles if the traffic is heavy.

"Please, the National Police Chief and his staff, especially the Korlantas here to address the permanent route, will be reviewed. If necessary, it will be dismantled and all road actors can use the road," he said.

In addition, Sahroni also asked the National Police Chief to ensure that there are no more issues of discrimination between cyclists. This refers to the trial of special bicycle lanes for road bikes on the Nontol Flyover (JLNT) Kampung Melayu-Tanah Abang and Sudirman-Thamrin.

"Until yesterday there were divisive, inappropriate words conveyed by one of the communities. It's a shame that this is a public road that cyclists currently only take two hours, other users use 22 hours," he said.

Responding to this, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo agreed with the proposal from Commission III of the DPR RI which asked for permanent bicycle lanes to be dismantled.

"In principle, related to bicycle lanes, we will continue to look for the right formula. We agree that the permanent (lane) problem should be dismantled," said Sigit.

Currently, Sigut admitted that the police are still looking for the right formulation to be a solution for cyclists and other road users, so as not to raise issues of discrimination.

In the future, the police will coordinate with the DKI Provincial Government to make comparative studies to neighboring countries to see how the arrangements regarding bicycle routes are used, whether bicycles are used for work or exercise.

"We will coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation and the Regional Government of DKI. The Regional Police Chiefs in all regions are also doing the same thing," said Sigit.

"So, then the bicycle lane for the community will still exist, the hours are limited so that it does not interfere with users and other modes that use the lane," he continued.