Jakarta is a vibrant, diverse city that offers many opportunities for its citizens. To create a sustainable Jakarta, the Jakarta Provincial Government has long focused on changing the pattern of Jakarta's development from a car-oriented to a pedestrian-oriented city.
This change from car-oriented to pedestrian-oriented certainly goes hand in hand with the improvement of mass transportation facilities and the development of TOD areas in Jakarta. By improving the quality of transportation and pedestrian facilities in Jakarta, residents who previously relied on private vehicles were willing to switch to public transportation and walk.
What is pedestrian-oriented?
According to the American Planning Association, pedestrian-oriented design refers to the nature of the environment that is developed to encourage pedestrian activity and improve mobility.
So, what are examples of the government's efforts to transform Jakarta from a car-oriented to a pedestrian-oriented city?
Some forms of government efforts in implementing changes in Jakarta's development patterns from car-oriented to pedestrian-oriented, among others:
Furthermore, quoted from the official website of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Bappeda, until 2022, pedestrian paths in Jakarta have been built covering an area of 1,258,594 square meters, complete with supporting facilities. By 2026, the construction of pedestrian paths in Jakarta is targeted to reach an area of 1,808,594 square meters. Fulfilling this target will help advance Jakarta's transformation from a car-oriented to a pedestrian-oriented city.
What are the effects of changing Jakarta's development pattern from car-oriented to pedestrian-oriented city that can already be felt by residents?
Jakarta's shift from a car-oriented to a pedestrian-oriented city has made a number of areas more comfortable for pedestrians and easier for public transportation users to reach.
For example, the revitalization of TMII has made this tourist area pedestrian-oriented. Since its reopening in 2022, TMII visitors are no longer allowed to travel around the tourist area using private vehicles. All visitor vehicles must be parked in the elevated parking building provided.
Then, from the parking area to enter the tourist area and also to get around from one platform to another, TMII management provides a number of free electric buses. Visitors to TMII are also allowed to get around by using private or rented bicycles.
In addition to free electric buses, the revitalization of TMII has also succeeded in providing a well-organized and comfortable visitor road. This change in TMII concept from car-oriented to pedestrian-oriented certainly has a significant effect that visitors enjoy.
Besides TMII, the newly reopened Sarinah in March 2022 is also one of the popular pedestrian-oriented destinations.
After the renovation, the Sarinah building now provides three entrances from the highway that are easy and convenient for pedestrians. The open space outside the building, which used to be used as a car parking lot, now features a beautiful garden with seating where visitors can relax. In addition, the state-owned shopping center also provides bicycle parking facilities.
The change in development from car-oriented to pedestrian-oriented patterns in the Sarinah area is also evident from the condition of the wide and well-maintained sidewalk facilities.
In addition, the public can also visit Sarinah by using TransJakarta facilities with convenient access. With the age of revitalization, M.H. Thamrin Bus Stop, formerly known as Sarinah Bus Stop, has improved its facilities. The distance from the entrance of Sarinah is less than 300 meters, so it can be reached on foot for only 4 minutes.
Changing the development pattern of Jakarta, which has been formed as a car-oriented city for so long, is not an easy thing. However, of course we all hope that the change in Jakarta's development pattern from car-oriented to pedestrian-oriented can run consistently and increasingly evenly.
Who knows, one day, Jakarta could be like London which is known as one of the best walkable cities in the world, with 6 million walking trips taken every day, including to bus stops, stations and more.
We're on the right track. Here's to a sustainable Jakarta!