DKI Jakarta Legislator: Public Transport Access a Right, Not a Privilege

Nova Harivan Paloh, chair of Commission B of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI), has affirmed that every citizen has equal rights in accessing public transport services. She stressed that officers are not permitted to remove passengers unilaterally without a legal basis and clear procedures.

The statement was in response to an incident involving the removal of a passenger that drew public attention. Nova judged that actions taken by officers in the field must have a solid foundation and must not be subjective, particularly if based solely on a person’s physical condition or appearance.

“Public transport belongs to the public. Everyone has the same right to use it. A person cannot simply be taken off the bus if they have not committed any violation,” Nova said when contacted by Media Indonesia on Tuesday (4/8).

The politician explained that the only passengers who may be removed from a mode of transport are those who disrupt public security and order. This includes criminal acts, causing disturbances, or committing vandalism that endangers other passengers.

Regarding TransJakarta’s clarification that the passenger was removed on suspicion of being homeless, Nova called for this reasoning to be re-evaluated. In her view, as long as a passenger has tapped an electronic card and entered through an official stop, they have systemically fulfilled the service requirements.

“If a passenger can enter the stop and tap an electronic card, it means that systemically they have met the requirements to use the service. It is impossible for them to sit inside the bus without going through that process,” she asserted.

Furthermore, Nova urged TransJakarta management to evaluate its standard operating procedures (SOP) for handling passengers so that they become more humane. She reminded officers to continue prioritising ethics and respecting citizens’ dignity when issuing warnings.

“It must not come across as shouting at or humiliating someone in front of the public. In my view, an SOP like this needs to be re-evaluated because it seems excessive,” Nova concluded.