Discussing The Front Sidewalk Of The US Embassy With The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, The Provincial Government Ensures The Opening Of Road Lanes As Soon As Possible

The sidewalk in front of the United States Embassy Office on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, was covered with barbed wire, Tuesday (6/6/2023). ANTARA/Siti Nurhaliza

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has discussed the access to the sidewalk in front of the United States Embassy (US) which is blockaded with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu).

This discussion was also carried out with the US Embassy and Polda Metro Jaya. As a result, the government agreed to reopen access to the sidewalk in front of the diplomat office located on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan.

"We have held discussions with various related elements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Embassy and also the Pamobvit Polda Metro Jaya to reopen the sidewalk in front of the US Embassy office," said Head of the Data and Information Center of the DKI Jakarta Highways Agency, Wiwik Wahyuni in a short message, Wednesday, June 7.

However, there is no certainty about when the sidewalk cover will be opened. Wiwik ensured that the demolition of the concrete and barbed wire that blocked pedestrian access was carried out as soon as possible.

"For the plan to open (unload), we are waiting for further coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy, but it is hoped that it can be done as soon as possible," said Wiwik.

The problem of the front sidewalk of the US Embassy was previously revealed in 2013. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok, while serving as Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, also responded at that time. However, this complaint arose again.

One of the complaints about the closure of the sidewalk to the public in front of the US Embassy and its use exclusively for visitors to the embassy came from the Pedestrian Coalition. Chairman of the Pedestrian Coalition Alfred Sitorus questioned why the public could not use their rights to the public space.

"Even though the US adheres to a city that is friendly to pedestrians. Why, it's as exclusive as the sidewalk? Even though it's a public space, you know. So, what doesn't belong to them should be subject to legal rights where they are," said Alfred.

Meanwhile, he continued, none of the other embassy offices closed sidewalk access from the public, such as the French and Japanese Embassy on Jalan MH Thamrin, the Spanish Embassy on Jalan H Agus Salim, to the Russian Embassy on Jalan HR Rasuna Said.

Ifred urges the DKI Provincial Government to immediately open the sidewalk access in front of the US Embassy. Given, so far the condition of pedestrian access in front of the US Embassy is on the road and only facilitated by traffic cones or barriers.

"This is what we really regret, we are concerned. WHY, how come the Indonesian government is not brave? The DKI Provincial Government is just talking, only communication. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must also be asked about this public space, a road worth a building that is blocked and inaccessible," he said.