Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan inaugurated the new pedestrian bridge (JPO) in the Sudirman area, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (3/10) evening.

This bridge is made for the public

The bridge was called Tematik Phinisi Karet Sudirman which also functions as a Bicycle Crossing Bridge (JPS).

It was inaugurated after passing through a long revitalization stage in 2019 and the construction stage from April to December 2021. Its revitalization was done considering the bridge was damaged, the structure was weakened, and the appearance was dull so it was not feasible and unsafe to use.

Aside that, there was no roundabout access for cyclists along Jalan Sudirman to Simpang Senayan.

"This bridge is made for the public, including cyclists who pass on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman to cross. Cyclists can have access in the middle to move from West to East or East to West," expressed the Governor, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

He explained that it was using a modern concept, equipped with a Phinisi Ship-themed platform and an appreciation gallery dedicated to commemorating the struggles and sacrifices of medical personnel in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It becomes a place to express our respect, our appreciation to the medics who have become our last line of defense, to save others. Some have passed away, and their names are permanently engraved in this place as a token of appreciation," he explained.

He then hoped that it could make the city of Jakarta a tough, resilient city, and its residents reflect the culture as a global city that is reckoned with in the international arena.

As for the information, the JPO, which resembles the Phinisi Ship, is the result of a collaboration driven by the Governor thus it becomes an iconic JPO, as well as showing the partisanship of the Jakarta administration to pedestrians.

The open model again presents a new face of Jakarta in the public space, as well as being the third space for Jakarta residents at the main node of business activity.

It has a unique design, as there are two straight and curved bridges that connect Jalan Jenderal Sudirman towards Blok M and Monas. It has also been integrated with the Transjakarta Karet bus stop.

There are also lift facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and bicycles. Other facilities include load sensors, CCTV, viewing platforms, as well as Decorative and Artistic Lights (RGB Futuristic).