Palmerah Station in Central Jakarta looks magnificent, but it is actually problematic. Here, there is no special access for passengers to easily continue their journey using other transportation.
Inadequate sidewalks and congested streets make access to and from the station dangerous for pedestrians.
Every transportation agency is only required to provide a mode of transportation for citizens.
However, what is often forgotten is the willingness to work together with other transportation agencies and the government to build intermodal connectivity.
Many Pedestrian Bridge (JPO) footings are still fragile and have holes, even with leaking roofs.
Some are unsafe because they are deserted, closed and poorly lit at night. In fact, this insecurity has taken its
toll.
When there are not many other options, passengers must inevitably accept what is available.
Take a glance at TransJakarta corridor 13, which serves the Ciledug to Blok M, Pancoran, and HI Roundabout routes.
The seven-story equivalent staircase only adds to the misery of its users.
In the midst of the chaotic transportation system in the capital city, online transportation seems to be a savior when covering short distances on foot has many obstacles.
In 2017, Jakarta was named the laziest city to walk by a study from Stanford University.
Jakartans were recorded to take an average of 3,513 steps every day. Meanwhile, Hong Kong ranks first with an average of 6,880 steps per day.
Zebra crossings and traffic lights that are not managed and obeyed by drivers make pedestrian safety minimal.
The Pedestrian Coalition
notes that
one pedestrian in Jakarta dies every six days.
Now, Jakarta is improving itself. Unfortunately, the development that is now being intensified has actually narrowed and damaged the sidewalks for pedestrians. Sidewalks are filled with dangerous building materials.
Coordinator of the Pedestrian Coalition (KoPK) Alfred Sitorus told
CNN Indonesia
, "The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government seems to be ignorant of public complaints regarding the condition of sidewalks in Jakarta."
"This is exacerbated by the lack of synergy between agencies in the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government," Alfred continued.
Alfred also assessed that in order for sidewalks to be well maintained, the Provincial Government should be firm by making maintenance or utility repair permits at one agency door.
In fact, the pedestrian facility improvement project did not provide safe access for pedestrians during the construction process.
Even in front of the people's representative building, the sidewalk construction has not considered the needs of people with disabilities.
Some sidewalks do not have
guiding blocks
. Those that do have
guiding blocks
are often unusable due to faulty installation or poor condition.
This is another example of development that does not think about user accessibility.
Although the bars are installed to avoid motorists, they make the sidewalks impassable for wheelchair users and also make it difficult for pedestrians with lame legs.
Residential areas where people walk most often rarely have space for sidewalks.
Residents have to compete with private vehicles and motorcycles to do daily activities such as shopping or visiting neighbors.
Don't be surprised to see many people prefer to ride a motorcycle to go to a minimarket that is only 100 meters away from their residence, Jakarta survivors have already started their struggle when stepping outside their homes.
It is important to remember that pedestrians have the same rights as cyclists, drivers, and public transportation passengers.
A more coordinated development of infrastructure and public transportation among stakeholders will help make Jakarta more livable and welcoming for Jakarta's survivors.
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