Most of Sidewalks,Pedestrian Bridges Still in Poor State: Report

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coalition of Pedestrians (KoPK) said the condition of facilities for pedestrians such as sidewalks and pedestrian bridges in Jakarta are still poor.

KoPK Coordinator Alfred Sitorus said most of the sidewalks in the city are not proper anymore.

"In Jakarta around 90 percent of sidewalks are not proper for pedestrians and 99 percent of sidewalks are not proper for the disabled,” he told state-run news agency Antara on Sunday.

Therefore, Alfred hopes for political will from the legislative body and the executive body to prioritize improving facilities for pedestrians.

"We hope for a political will from the legislative body and the executive body because improving facilities for pedestrians needs budget,” he added.

"It also needs a quite progressive legislative to improve facilities for pedestrians,” Alfred said.

In addition, he added a firmer, more consistent, more credible and fair legal enforcement is needed for those who violate the rights of pedestrians.

Alfred added that every day dozens of pedestrians lose their lives on the streets in Indonesia and many others are injured.

In the meantime, Coordinator of Road Safety Action Network (Jarak Aman) Edo Rusyanto added that not only do pedestrians have to use be satisfied with inadequate facilities every day, but they must also face selfish car and motorcycle users that can threaten their safety.

"Economic motives and selfish attitude cause this to happen,” Edo said, adding that in the future, he hopes all street users can prioritize their own safety and the safety of others.

LIA WANADRIANI SANTOSA | ANTARA