Dust, Broken Lift, and Residents' Habits Cause Underuse of Marunda JPO in North Jakarta

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The flow of heavy vehicles on Jalan Akses Marunda in North Jakarta does not deter pedestrians from crossing without using the pedestrian overpass (JPO).

Yet, a modern-designed JPO has been constructed at the site to enhance residents’ safety.

The bridge is located directly in front of SMPN 244, which is also a junction point, vehicle turning area, and spot for public transport boarding and alighting.

Behind it lies SMPN 266.

Both students and residents opt to cross the road directly, even facing large trucks speeding by.

Often, truck drivers must brake suddenly due to the many pedestrians crossing recklessly.

Based on Kompas.com observations, residents and students still dare to cross because at the junction, there are parking attendants who help stop vehicles.

These parking attendants even boldly halt container trucks from both directions, despite receiving no payment from the pedestrians.

This situation makes residents feel it is easier to cross directly rather than use the JPO.

When parking attendants are absent, students often seek help from nearby vendors.

“Most cross directly. That’s why sometimes primary school children from behind stop by here asking ‘help me cross, Ma’am’ when the brothers (parking attendants) are busy,” said a vendor named Rotua (59) when met by Kompas.com at the location on Thursday (23/4/2026).

She hopes the school authorities can educate students to utilise the facility, considering Jalan Akses Marunda is deemed dangerous due to heavy vehicles passing at high speeds.

She believes that with regular guidance from the school, the students will get used to using the JPO when crossing.