Sidewalks Revitalization Revives Walking Culture

The sidewalk is a facility provided to separate pedestrians from motor vehicles and has an important role in supporting the daily activities of the people.

Frankly, I was shocked. The result is really cool like a sidewalk abroad

Its existence keeps being developed where it can be proven from the last year's revitalization results along Jalan Sudirman - MH Thamrin.

It is made wider in the size of between 8-12 meters and designed friendly for disabled people, kids to the elderly. There are also bike lane, special lane for disabled, green space, actualization space of art and culture up to 'walk of fame' bearing the names of former high-achieving athletes.

City Presents Urban City as Public Third Room

Surely this raises the admiration of people around. One of them is Anas Buchori (43), a citizen of Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta who works in Sudirman area.

"Frankly, I was shocked. The result is really cool like a sidewalk abroad," he told Beritajakarta.id, Wednesday (10/16).

He is proud that the city has sidewalks that are built so beautiful, modern and equipped with various facilities.

"If it can be maintained, many people will move to public transportation," he expressed.

Another opinion also comes out from Herman Astro (33), a citizen of Kembangan, West Jakarta. He felt his rights as a pedestrian were fulfilled every time he crossed the sidewalk.

"No street vendors here, this is so comfortable. Moreover it's also full of green trees. This is what we want," he stated.

Revitalization of 51 Sidewalk Points

Jakarta Bina Marga Agency Head Hari Nugroho explained, since 2017 to 2019, its revitalization has been done up to 134 km. While in 2020, it is targeted up to 47 km.

"Its number will increase in each year," he told.

This year it is focused on 51 spots in five cities by spending Rp 327 billion. It is done on Jalan KH Wahid Hasyim and Sudirman-Thamrin (Central Jakarta), Jalan Sisingamangaraja until Jalan Raya Fatmawati, (South Jakarta), Velodrome area (East Jakarta), Jalan Daan Mogot (West Jakarta), Jalan Yos Sudarso and Jalan Pluit Selatan Raya (North Jakarta).

There are also 19 spots that have been and are being revitalized until the end of this year. Each sidewalk are located on Jalan Dr. Satrio, Jalan Otto Iskandardinata, Jalan Matraman Raya, Jalan Diponegoro, Jalan Kramat Raya, Jalan Salemba Raya, Jalan Cikini Raya, Jalan Latumenten, Jalan Yos Sudarso and Jalan Kemang Raya.

"The sidewalks will be equipped with guide tiles, bolards to prevent motorcycle break through sidewalk, benches, main holes, way finding, signage, wifi and street lights," he explained.

It is also to support the integration program of public transportation and air quality control in Jakarta. It is believed to be able to encourage citizens to prioritize walking and use public transportation.

"This pilot project has been designed to be friendly to people with disabilities. We can also a pelican crossing between sidewalks on the west and east sides," he expressed.

Even it gets an appreciation from the Pedestrian Coalition Chairperson Alfred Sitorus. According to him, it has accommodated the rights of pedestrians and the needs of people with disabilities.

He hoped that it could touch school locations. As an initial step, the city must take inventory of school buildings whose surrounding locations have sidewalks.

"This is to provide safety and comfort for school children," he asked.

In the meantime, Urban Observer Yayat Supriatna uttered it must be accompanied by a movement to campaign for walking to citizens.

"The challenge is that the government must encourage people to want to walk," he expressed.

He fully supports the city's program that will make Jakarta as a pedestrian-friendly city. However, it must be supported by the provision of qualified and qualified public transportation.

"I hope it can also be realized around the stations and shopping centers to cultivate walking habit," he hoped.