The trial of motorcycle ban on Jalan MH Thamrin, precisely starting from HI Roundabout until Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, has been imposed yesterday, Wednesday (12/17). On the first day of the trial, nearly 90 percent of bikers obeyed the policy by passing on alternative roads.

The first day of the trial was good in terms of bikers’ understanding on this new policy. Nearly 90 percent of bikers obeyed the policy

“The first day of the trial was good in terms of bikers’ understanding on this new policy. Nearly 90 percent of bikers obeyed the policy, while the rest did not know or knew but still trying to trespass,” stated Head of Jakarta Transportation Department, Muhammad Akbar, Thursday (12/18).

He also admitted has predicted this policy will cause the traffic on alternative roads more dense than ever.

“We have anticipated there would be extra burden of motorcycles on the roads that are parallel with Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat,” uttered Akbar.

As anticipation effort, hundreds of officers are deployed to some points in alternative roads, especially intersections. The alternative roads itself include Jalan Abdul Muis, Jalan KH Mas Mansur, Jalan Kebon Kacang, Jalan Kebon Sirih, Jalan Wahid Hasyim, and Jalan Agus Salim.

“There were additional officers on the first day yesterday. They consist of 110 officers from Transportation Department, 100 personnel from Satpol PP, and 1,700 policemen,” he told.

In the future, Akbar hopes the public could adapt to this policy. They are also expected to plan their trips well.

“This is still the beginning, the public indeed needs time to adapt, adjust, and plan their trips to be better,” he said.