'Hopefully The Presence Of LRT Can Reduce Air Pollution'

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, welcomed the full operation of the Jabodetabek Light Rapid Transit (LRT) mass transportation mode. In addition to making it easier for the public, this mode of public transportation can support efforts to reduce pollutant emissions.

"I am enthusiastic and fully support the operation of the Jabodebek LRT which is expected to be the beginning of reform of the quality of public transportation services in Indonesia, especially the city of Jakarta and its surroundings," said Puan, Wednesday (30/8/2023).

The Jabodetabek LRT has officially been operating since Monday (28/8) after being inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The mass transportation mode serves the community at 18 stations connecting the Jakarta, Depok and Bekasi areas.

Puan said that the existence of the Jabodetabek LRT is increasingly providing options for public transportation for people in buffer areas who are undergoing their daily activities in Jakarta. The presence of the LRT is considered to be increasingly complementary to other public transportation such as KRL, Trans Jabodetabek to MRT, which are always crowded with passengers every day.

"People who come to the capital city every day to work, need public transportation facilities that make it easier for them. So this LRT can be an alternative, especially for areas that are not covered by other mass transportation facilities," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

On the other hand, Puan encourages the Government to ensure access to and from the LRT Station to other advanced modes is well prepared. This aims to attract people to switch to the Jabodetabek LRT mass transportation mode.

"The transfer of private vehicles to public transportation by the public will be difficult if they still have to walk far away or move to stop locations using several types of public transportation, for example from the LRT, they still have to use motorcycle taxis to reach the office," explained Puan.

Even so, the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI welcomed the promo rate given by the Government for Jabodetabek LRT users. Puan assessed that this was the right promotional step for people to switch to public transportation.

"The promo on public transport rates is one way to absorb people's desire to switch from private vehicles to public transportation. In addition, it will reduce congestion on other public transportation," he said.

The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) has set a promo rate of IDR 5,000 with a maximum tariff of IDR 20 thousand for the furthest distance. This tariff scheme will take effect in early October 2023 until the end of February 2024.

Furthermore, Puan hopes that the presence of the Jabodetabek LRT can reduce congestion in the capital city. Environmentally friendly public transportation is also said to be a solution to overcome the problem of air pollution that is troubling the public, especially those living in the Greater Jakarta area.

Regarding the Work From Home (WFH) or Hybrid Working rules for ASN in order to reduce congestion and air pollution, Puan assessed that it could run well if it was accompanied by an ongoing evaluation.

"The function of the evaluation is that if the regulation does not affect, other solutions can be found. Like different working hours. This can also reduce the traffic burden during busy hours," he said.