Rico Sinaga: Water Transportation can Be Solution to Congestion in Jakarta

Jakarta Community Alliance (Amarta) Chairman, Rico Sinaga, suggested the need for a breakthrough or innovation to deal with traffic jams in Jakarta.

Water transportation can be a solution to congestion in Jakarta

According to him, he said one of the breakthroughs that could be made was to utilize the Ciliwung River, East Flood Canal (KBT), and West Flood Canal (KBB) as waterways for public transportation.

"Water transportation can be a solution to congestion in Jakarta. It can very likely be connected to areas around Jakarta, such as Depok, Bekasi, and Tangerang," he expressed, Monday (5/14).

Amarta: Ciliwung Sodetan Project will Be Completed Under Heru Leadership

He explained it was very possible to realize this under the leadership of Jakarta Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono. Moreover, he succeeded in accelerating the completion of the Ciliwung Sodetan (crossing channel).

"If ir can be realized, it will also be a separate historical record for him as he has succeeded in presenting water transportation as an alternative option for the community in supporting their mobility," he explained.

It has a special or separate track, the users will automatically be free from traffic jams.

"I think it will really provide an alternative choice for residents because they can predict the departure time until they reach their destination," he explained.

To support it, it needed supporting facilities and infrastructure. Including, a good water management system and it was very possible with the existence of Ciawi and Sukamahi dams.

These two dams were inaugurated by President, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo on December 23, 2022. In fact, the Acting Governor was also present at the inauguration ceremony at that time.

"No less important, water transportation must also be integrated with other modes of public transportation," he added.

As for the cost of realizing this transportation, it could use a scheme from City Budget (APBD) or involve private sector.

"It can be managed by a separate BUMD, or the private sector uses the Build Operate Transfer or BOT. So, the Jakarta Provincial Government doesn't need to spend money, including for revitalization of road bridges in KBT and KBB," he asserted.

There would be many positive economic impacts from the operation of water transportation. It is because it can also attract more tourists, moreover if it could be directly connected with ships going to Seribu Islands.

"It certainly needs a pier. This pier can also be managed well to give added value, like restaurants or cafes to MSME stalls," he added.

He encouraged that after the inauguration and operation of Ciliwung sodetan, Jakarta Government could immediately formulate the steps to realize this transportation.

It had been designed and tested during the era of Jakarta Governor, Sutiyoso, on the Halimun - Karet route. Then, it was tested with the Manggarai - Karet route in 2007 when Jakarta was led by Fauzi Bowo.

It was also briefly revived in 2013 with the Marunda - Muara Baru route by Jakarta Governor, Joko Widodo.

"I'm optimistic that Mr. Heru, with his ability to synergize with the central government, can realize this transportation. He will be a good successor considering the water management point of view is very possible already so far," he stated.