Jakarta Residents Divided on Weekend Car-Free Day Expansion Proposal

The Jakarta provincial government is currently reviewing a proposal to expand the Car-Free Day (CFD) to include Saturdays, in addition to the existing Sunday schedule. This initiative, championed by some officials, aims to further promote healthier lifestyles and reduce vehicular emissions in the capital. Many Jakarta residents have expressed their support for the idea of a weekend-long CFD. Finska, residing in Central Jakarta, believes that extending the CFD to Saturday would offer greater flexibility for citizens with varying work schedules. "If it's like that, it might be more flexible and less crowded on Sundays," she commented, suggesting that a Saturday CFD could cater to those who only have Sundays off. Similarly, Ranti from East Jakarta sees the expansion as an opportunity to provide more avenues for recreational activities. "I agree because it will also reduce congestion on Sundays, so there can be two schedules," she stated. Titin Adriani, a resident of Pulogadung, is optimistic about the environmental benefits. "It's good for reducing traffic jams and air pollution, even on Saturdays," she said, highlighting the persistent vehicular presence on weekdays. She also suggested that the Saturday CFD could potentially have a shorter duration than the Sunday event to minimize disruption. However, not all residents are in favor of the proposed expansion. Apri, from South Jakarta, raised concerns about the potential impact on mobility. "For Saturdays, I don't think so yet. Because many Jakarta residents still go to work. I'm afraid it will disrupt their mobility," she explained, citing that many people still commute on Saturdays, particularly along major thoroughfares. Governor Heru Budi Hartono has acknowledged the proposal and stated that a decision will be made soon. The government is weighing the potential benefits against the logistical challenges and impact on daily routines for a significant portion of the city's population. Source: Detik