The discourse on regulating working hours as a solution to the congestion of the capital city, according to the Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Transportation Community Region Empowerment and Strengthening Division (MTI) Djoko Setijowarno, is likely difficult to implement.
It is not an easy matter to regulate working hours because it will affect the operational costs of the office, especially electricity and water. Moreover, if you use two sessions, namely 08.00 WIB and 10.00 WIB.
Even though it is running, this step will not be too effective in unraveling congestion in Jakarta.
"It's better to encourage work from home rules like during the pandemic yesterday. It's only required to go to the office twice a week, for example. If working hours, it's more complicated to manage it because the office has different interests," Djoko told VOI on May 26, 2023.
Djoko also suggested implementing an electronic paid road system as previously echoed. That way, private car users will gradually switch, especially if the rates imposed are expensive.
"They will think twice about using a car. Not to mention, if it is supported by an increase in the cost of parking private cars. This is much more effective in unraveling congestion," added Djoko.
However, the main requirements must be met first, namely optimizing the development of connected public transportation to all corners. Thus, people who get off the train, LRT, or MRT can easily switch transportation to their workplaces.
"Especially Jakarta, the handling is a bit different. It has to be extreme. In ordinary ways, it's the same. Three in one, for example, the owner even gives a jockey. Then, odd-even, the vehicle owner even has two number plates. But if it's odd, it can still be applied," said Djoko.
During a meeting with Commission B of the DKI Jakarta DPRD and the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency on January 24, 2023, the Director of Traffic of the Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Latif Usman revealed that the congestion index in the capital city in 2023 is estimated to reach above 50 percent.
Indonesia ranks 29th as the most congested city in the world with an average travel time of 22 minutes 40 seconds per 10 km according to TomTom International research. In fact, it can increase by 11-18 minutes during morning and evening busy hours.
"Of course, if (the traffic jam index) is already at 50 percent, it is very worrying. At 40 percent, Jakarta (in fact) is no longer safe," he said.
In order to find a solution, the DKI Provincial Government will create a group discussion forum with all stakeholders such as shopping center associations, warehouse management associations, NGOs, bike to work communities, public transportation operators, and HIPMI.
The DKI Provincial Government since the Jokowi-Ahok era has actually had a clear strategy in overcoming congestion. First, increasing the capacity of space-efficient, environmentally friendly, and comfortable mass transportation. Second, replacing inappropriate modes of transportation for city transportation, namely small transportation in stages with medium and large buses.
Third, working with the government around Jakarta to make the Jabodetabek transportation service authority so that the issue of citizen mobility can be handled by agencies that have cross-regional authorities.
Fourth, add Transjakarta fleet and perfect rapid transit bus services. Fifth, replace public transportation such as metromini, kopaja, and buses with much more feasible vehicles.
Sixth, building MRT and LRT as mass transportation for city residents. Seventh, complete the supply of mass transportation with restrictions on the use of private vehicles. Eighth, reviewing the merger of public transportation management with housing and toll road managers.
Some of them have been realized. This strategy is also accompanied by a number of traffic policies such as the odd-even policy which has reached 26 roads in May 2023.
However, the results are not yet optimal. Without public awareness to switch to public transportation, various efforts that have been made to unravel congestion will not be felt significantly. If you want to be free of traffic jams, use public transportation.
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