Artists Redraw Neglected Zebra Crossing in Tebet with Pac-Man Design

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The image of the zebra crossing, which had previously disappeared and made it difficult for pedestrians to cross on Jalan Dr Soepomo, Tebet, towards Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, has now been redrawn by graffiti artists.

Rather than just white lines on black asphalt, this redrawn zebra crossing is adorned with colourful designs and characters from the game Pac-Man.

Kemas (29), one of the graffiti activists involved, said that he and his friends drew the zebra crossing on Wednesday (25/3/2026) in the early hours.

According to Kemas, the essence of the drawing is a critique of the government for not yet creating a new zebra crossing.

Meanwhile, the Pac-Man image was just spontaneous.

“Actually, this stems from frustration because the zebra crossing had disappeared,” said Kemas when contacted by Kompas.com on Friday (27/3/2026).

Kemas added that the paint on the drawing is estimated to last only about a month because the road is busy and the heat from vehicle tyres can make it fade quickly.

Kemas also mentioned that he has received information from the DKI Jakarta Public Works Department that a new zebra crossing will soon be repainted.

Meanwhile, the Head of the South Jakarta Public Works Sub-Department, Rifki Rismal, confirmed that his side will repaint the zebra crossing.

According to Rifki, the old zebra crossing was covered by asphalt after the resurfacing was completed at the end of 2025.

“The new marking work will be done when the asphalt condition is truly mature and dense. So this year it is planned to be remarked,” Rifki explained.

The zebra crossing on the side of the road towards Tebet is still visible, although it is starting to erode.

A resident who sells in the area, Faisal (67), said the drawing started to appear since Wednesday (25/3/2026).

The man who has been selling in the area since 1988 said that this zebra crossing had “disappeared” a few months ago due to area improvements, including the installation of fences on the road median and resurfacing.