Children in West Jakarta Confront Motorcyclists Encroaching on Pavements
A group of young children in West Jakarta took action after discovering motorcyclists brazenly riding on the pavements along Jalan Daan Mogot. The children even went as far as forcing violators to turn their vehicles around.
The actions of these children went viral on social media. In the circulating video, the children can be seen occupying the pavement area, wielding tree branches to compel violating motorcyclists to turn back. While most riders complied, one motorcyclist attempted to continue through the area but was successfully blocked and forced to turn around by the group.
Commenting on the incident, the Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub), Syafrin Liputo, reminded all road users of the intended function and rights associated with pavement facilities. He urged motorists not to use pavements for driving.
“Regarding the children blocking motorcyclists on the pavements in the Jalan Daan Mogot area, we urge all road users to continue complying with traffic regulations and to refrain from using pavements, which are the rights of pedestrians and people with disabilities,” he stated.
He noted that the use of pavements by motorised vehicles can endanger both pedestrians and the riders themselves. He also expressed appreciation for the children’s concern regarding the preservation of pavement functions.
“The use of pavements by motorised vehicles certainly endangers the safety of pedestrians as well as the riders themselves. We also appreciate the concern of the community, including children, regarding the importance of maintaining the function of the pavements,” he explained.
“However, we advise against taking actions that have the potential to endanger oneself or other road users,” he added.
Jakarta’s Transportation Agency intends to increase supervision of the area. Syafrin confirmed that his department will intervene to monitor the pavement and coordinate with the police to ensure no further violations occur.
“The Transportation Agency, along with relevant agencies, will conduct further supervision and coordination at the location to enhance traffic order and safety,” he concluded.