Court Revokes Ahok`s Motorcycle Ban, BPTJ to Hold Discussion

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Supreme Court (MA) has revoked regulation ratified by former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok regarding motorcycle ban. The decision continues to stir controversy.

The Greater Jakarta Transportation Agency (BPTJ) considers that the Supreme Court’s decision must be addressed. According to the Head of BPTJ Bambang Prihartono, banning motorcycles from entering certain roads in Jakarta has produced many benefits since it was introduced.

“We plan on holding a forum group discussion tomorrow. Essentially, BPTJ needs to organize how people and objects travel,” said Bambang during an interview on Tuesday, January 9.

Read: Ahok Team Responds to Anies Baswedan`s Accusation

The motorcycle ban on two of Jakarta’s main roads was first introduced in December 2014 and was planned to be expanded to other cities in July 2017. However, the plan was canceled.

According to Bambang, the ban had actually resulted in a substantial amount of cost savings in the transportation sector. He claims that it saved Rp296 million each day from the annual Rp103 billion. The cost savings were calculated based on the travel time, general expenses, vehicle police operations, and importantly the number of road accidents.

Read: Sandiaga Uno Reports 2 Cases Occurred during Ahok Administration

Bambang said that in the future, motorcycles will be only used for short distance travels from the user’s house to a train station where their motorcycles will be parked near the train station. “Motorcycles contribute to 70 percent of road accidents," he said.

Imam Hamdi