Jakarta’s 499th Anniversary: Traffic Rerouting on Jalan HR Rasuna Said
Reported by Tiyo Surya Sakti | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The Jakarta government has officially launched the series of events for Jakarta's 499th Anniversary, designating Jalan HR Rasuna Said in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, as the kick-off location on May 9–10, 2026. Thousands of residents are expected to throng the area to participate in the festivities.
While road closures for Car Free Day typically run from 6 AM to 10 AM, specifically for this Sunday
To anticipate traffic congestion and overcrowding, the South Jakarta Transportation Sub-agency has prepared a traffic management scheme and identified several strategic parking locations.
South Jakarta Transportation Sub-agency Head, Bernard Pasaribu, stated that road closures would be implemented earlier than the standard Car Free Day (CFD) schedule.
Jalan Rasuna Said Upgrade to Be Completed Before Jakarta's 499th Anniversary"While road closures for Car Free Day typically run from 6 AM to 10 AM, specifically for this Sunday, the closure will begin at 5:30 AM and last until 10 AM," he expressed, Friday (5/8).
Bernard explained that since Car Free Day will also be held simultaneously on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan MH Thamrin, a significant surge in public mobility is anticipated.
To alleviate congestion around the venue, the South Jakarta Transportation Sub-agency has prepared traffic diversions across six road segments:
- From East (Manggarai) to West (Tanah Abang/Karet): Traffic is rerouted via Jalan Sultan Agung, Jalan Galunggung, Jalan Karet Pasar Baru Timur, Jalan Karet Pasar Baru Timur II, and Jalan RM Margono Djojohadikusumo
- From West (Tanah Abang/Karet) to East (Manggarai): Traffic is rerouted via Jalan RM Margono Djojohadikusumo, Jalan Galunggung, and Jalan Sultan Agung
- From North (Menteng) to South (Kuningan): Traffic is rerouted via Jalan Galunggung, Jalan Gembira, Jalan Kuningan Persada, Jalan Kuningan Mulia, Jalan Achmad Bakrie Barat, and Jalan Casablanca
- From South (Kuningan) to North (Menteng): Traffic is rerouted via Jalan Prof. DR. Satrio, Jalan Denpasar Raya, Jalan Setiabudi, Jalan Setiabudi Utara Raya, Jalan Setiabudi Tengah, and Jalan Galunggung
- From West (Tanah Abang/Karet) to East (Kampung Melayu): Traffic is rerouted via Jalan KH Mas Mansyur, Jalan Prof. DR. Satrio, and Jalan Raya Casablanca
- From East (Kampung Melayu) to West (Tanah Abang/Karet): Traffic is rerouted via Jalan Raya Casablanca, Jalan Prof. DR. Satrio, and Jalan KH Mas Mansyur
Further, four parking locations have been designated for visitors: Pasar Festival and Sumantri GOR area, Rasuna Said Epicentrum, Setiabudi One, and Nyi Ageng Serang Building.
"We've also requested support from local sub-district and urban village authorities to assist in public socialization, including the installation of banners and information boards," he noted.
Regarding health services, his office has coordinated with the South Jakarta Health Sub-agency to station at least four to five ambulances at the site.
"Despite the road closures, ambulances transporting patients to nearby hospitals, such as Mayapada Hospital or MMC Hospital, will be granted priority access to pass through," he concluded.