Deputy Chairperson Of The People's Consultative Assembly Explains Why Sudirman's Permanent Bike Lane Must Still Exist

Sudirman's permanent bike path (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the MPR RI from the PKS faction, Hidayat Nur Wahid, supports the existence of a permanent bicycle lane created by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. According to him, the policy, which has been formally and procedurally approved by the DKI DPRD, refers to a healthy lifestyle mandated by the constitution.

"The existence of permanent bicycle lanes is also common in the capital cities of developed countries in the world. It is not strange that increasing bicycle lanes in Jakarta is also Jokowi's program when he becomes a candidate for governor of DKI," said Hidayat in his statement, Saturday, June 19.

HNW as he is familiarly called, also explains the constitutional reference of Article 28H paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia which reads, "Everyone has the right to live in physical and spiritual prosperity, to have a place to live, and to have a good and healthy environment and have the right to health services."

"Governor Anies' policy is a real implementation to fulfill the rights of residents in DKI Jakarta to obtain good, safe and healthy facilities and environment," he said.

The deputy chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Syuro Council assessed that the bicycle lane policy was also the implementation of the third generation of human rights.

“The first generation of human rights regulates civil and political rights. The second generation of human rights regulates Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. And the third generation of human rights regulates, one of which is the right to a good environment,” he explained.

HNW also criticized the assessment that the permanent lane policy for bicycles was considered discriminatory. According to him, the creation of a special bicycle lane is an affirmative policy to encourage and promote a safe healthy lifestyle for the community.

“This is a good affirmative policy, in addition to supporting 'pro green' public policies so as to reduce air pollution, as well as to maintain the safety of cyclists who have often felt unsafe. Even eliminated by motorized vehicles and public transportation that produce air pollution," he said.

“If the permanent bicycle lanes that only exist on several protocol roads in Jakarta are considered discriminatory, then what about the permanent toll roads that are everywhere and are only intended for four-wheeled vehicles or more? Would you call that also discriminatory? Of course not," he added.

Therefore, HNW hopes that the Indonesian Police will be wise in taking a stance not to rush to decide to dismantle the permanent bicycle lane, just because of a one-sided proposal.

HNW said that the National Police must really take steps that protect, respect the principle of authority, and are professional to make decisions that are truly more beneficial to the lives of people who desire a healthy and safe life. As well as obtaining proper and conducive facilities and living environment in Jakarta.

Moreover, continued the legislator for the DKI Jakarta electoral district, the policy regarding permanent bicycle lanes along with their budget and program realization has been discussed and approved by the competent institution, namely the DKI Provincial Government and the DKI DPRD. Meanwhile, the residents and the riding community (cyclists) have proven the benefits of using these environmentally friendly public facilities.

“So it is only natural that many residents in my constituency, in South Jakarta and Central Jakarta, express their aspiration to reject the discourse of dismantling the permanent bicycle lane. They actually propose, because the good purpose of the program," he said.

"The benefits felt by residents in Jakarta are also many. There should be more bicycle lanes like that, not even dismantling," concluded Hidayat Nur Wahid.