Concerning ERP Implementation in Jakarta, Workers' Union: Government Don't Burden the Community

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Association of Indonesian Trade Unions (ASPEK Indonesia) asked the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to cancel the discourse regarding the implementation of a paid road policy, or what is known as electronic road pricing (ERP), on several roads in the capital city.

"When the community's economic condition was not good, the paid road policy only burdened the community even more", said ASPEK Indonesia President Mirah Sumirat in a written statement, Friday, January 20.

Mirah said that the implementation of paid roads aimed at reducing traffic jams would not be effective.

"This policy has even more of an impression due to the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government's desire to be able to withdraw funds from the public quickly and forcibly. It's as if road users have been "cracked" by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government", he said.

According to him, traffic jams in DKI Jakarta cannot be avoided because the roads in Jakarta are limited and the number of vehicles passing is quite large.

Apart from that, said Mirah, the contents of the Raperda on Electronic Traffic Control (PPLE) which states that public transport vehicles with yellow plates will be subject to ERP are also incorrect.

"Companies may charge paid road fees to consumers. However, paid road fees may also be borne by online motorcycle or courier drivers due to inappropriate online motorcycle and courier tariff policies", he said.

Mirah said the current government has not been able to provide wide employment opportunities and instead there have been mass layoffs (PHK).

"The government should not add to the burden of people's lives", he said.

Mirah also expressed his objections regarding the 25 toll roads that are connected and the ERP implementation time which is planned to apply every day, from 05.00 to 22.00 WIB.

"This is the same as the DKI Jakarta Government will continue to burden paid road fees for every mobility of the Jakarta people who are looking for a fortune, indiscriminately. If online motorcycle taxis or couriers have to work on several paid roads in a day, of course, they will be very burdened by this unwise policy", he concluded.

For your information, the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta plans to implement ERP or electronic paid roads this year.

Regarding tariffs, the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency has proposed an amount ranging from IDR 5,000 to IDR 19,900 for one trip.

In the draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) for Electronic Traffic Control (PPLE), it is explained that this policy is an electronic restriction of motorized vehicles on certain roads, areas, and times.

In detail, these policies for the traffic sector can reduce congestion, shorten travel time, improve traffic safety, and change traffic behavior.