Citizens' Efforts to Maintain Jakarta's Roads Through the Pac-Man Zebra Crossing

Amid the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, a zebra crossing in the Tebet area has suddenly become the centre of attention. Its white lines are no longer uniform but form an unusual pattern dubbed ‘Pac-Man’ by netizens, a character from the iconic 1980s video game. The location of this zebra crossing is not far from the Dirgantara Statue Monument, right on Jalan Prof. Dr. Soepomo, Tebet, South Jakarta. The existence of this road crossing marking has successfully captured widespread attention.

Upon investigation, the creation of this zebra crossing stems from residents’ frustrations with several damaged and missing crossing markings that have been reported but not yet followed up.

Unfortunately, public admiration has gradually turned into concern following discussions about dismantling the zebra crossing. This idea emerged from a statement by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, who plans to restore the ‘Pac-Man’ zebra crossing to comply with applicable standards. Nevertheless, Pramono still appreciates the residents’ self-funded initiative to create the crossing marking.

“This is positive creativity, but zebra crossings have rules. Therefore, we will restore it according to the applicable regulations,” Pramono stated when met on Tuesday (31/03/2026), as reported by detikcom.

He also expressed apologies for the many resident complaints regarding zebra crossings that have not been handled properly. Moving forward, the Jakarta Provincial Government plans to evaluate the Jakarta Kini (JAKI) complaint system to make it more effective in accommodating and following up on various public reports related to public facilities.

Although it has sparked pros and cons in society, the emergence of this zebra crossing is the result of thought and care from a Jakarta resident towards his hometown. This individual is also actively voicing public aspirations to enjoy decent public facilities or services.

He is Rafli Zulkarnaen (30), a native Betawi youth who works daily as a Brand Campaign executive at one of Jakarta’s agencies. Recently, Rafli has been active in voicing various resident complaints about the capital’s issues through social media. This activity stems from his personal experience as a traffic accident victim.

The community-made zebra crossing in Pancoran is reportedly to be dismantled, triggering criticism of the condition of crossing facilities in Jakarta.

Rafli, familiarly known as Ijoel, recounted to detikX the incident that befell him in 2016, around the Pancoran Flyover. That night, the road was dark after heavy rain. Unbeknownst to him, he crossed a large pothole in the middle of the road.

The accident caused him to suffer a leg injury, leaving him unable to walk for two weeks. However, instead of dwelling on the pain, the experience became a turning point for him to take action so that others would not suffer the same.

“That was a form of my ‘revenge’ vow directed positively, which I have maintained to this day. So that anyone in Jakarta can live and stay comfortably,” Ijoel said.

Since then, Ijoel has fulfilled his vow by routinely marking damaged roads in the capital as a precaution for passing drivers. Not only that, he vigorously voices resident complaints about public facilities and services, including illegal levies (pungli), stray nails, and difficulties accessing ambulances. For him, the public should not only enjoy but also provide positive feedback to ensure decent public facilities and services.

“Private property places (privately owned) or so-called closed places I don’t (reach), but more to public facilities. Places that are crowded with people. Because there, all residents have the right to enjoy and have good facilities,” he emphasised.

In addition, through the hashtag #Sadardiriaje, Ijoel mentioned that many netizens have been encouraged to report damaged road conditions around them. Even, he sees his social media platform has now developed into a space for anyone to express grievances related to various capital issues.

“Alhamdulillah, many (have become public attention) because as I said (I) accommodate residents’ (aspirations) who feel their vents are heard and feel their complaints are given solutions,” he added.

Ijoel does not deny receiving mockery and even threats. Nevertheless, over the past four years, he has chosen to respond wisely and continue his efforts, as long as what he does does not cross boundaries.

“So, things like that in my opinion become input for me, also a reminder. But we must not take it to heart, not be emotional, still accept people’s input,” Ijoel said.

From Damaged Roads to Residents’ ‘Vent Space’

detikX had the opportunity to directly follow how Ijoel’s daily life becomes a ‘hero’ on the highway. We visited one damaged road location behind Mall Setiabudi One, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Setiabudi Subdistrict, South Jakarta, on Thursday night (02/04/2026). This location was once a point for digging drainage channels and cables to anticipate flooding in the area.

Unfortunately, one month after repairs, the road asphalt condition was left with potholes, peeling, and mounds the size of an adult’s hand span bounded by traffic cones. When it rains, those spots often become impromptu puddles covering half the road lane. Moreover, the lack of lighting also threatens driver safety and increases accident risks.

Ijoel said the road damage report was received from netizens via Instagram direct message. Previously, both he and residents had repeatedly reported the condition of Jalan Rasuna Said to authorities, including through the JAKI application. However, repairs have not been carried out to date.

Various resident reports continue to flood his messages.