Eretan Boat Operator's Hopes Regarding Planned Bridge Construction over Pesanggrahan River

The South Jakarta Administration plans to construct a pedestrian bridge (JPO) over the Pesanggan River, the current location of ‘eretan’ or ‘getek’ (small ferry) crossings. Tatang, a 27-year-old ferry operator, hopes that the bridge will be built in a different location from the existing crossing point.

Observations at the site on Thursday (3/9/2026) showed the ferry operating as usual, located directly opposite MTsN 13 Jakarta. Several children and local residents were seen using the stairs alongside the river to access the ferry, with some paying a small fee and others simply offering thanks.

Tatang expressed his hope that the bridge would not be built directly in front of MTsN 13. His aim is to ensure that residents can continue their daily activities without disruption. “If possible, please do not build it here first, Brother. Build it above or elsewhere. Because if it is built directly here, this service will certainly have to stop,” Tatang said when met at the location.

“How would residents carry out their activities? It would be a pity. But if it is built above or below, this can continue to operate. Once the bridge is finished, there will already be bridge access,” he added.

Tatang admitted he is worried that the construction of the pedestrian bridge might lead to the termination of his ferry operations. However, he stated he would be resigned to withdrawing the ferry if the City Government guarantees him new employment. “My hope is that if it happens, I will be employed or compensated, because this is a business. We have invested a lot of capital. The remains of the previous boats were even dismantled to serve as spares in case of damage,” he explained.

Tatang also noted that local residents do not object to the ferry continuing to operate, though he is prepared to follow regulations if he is prohibited from continuing. “The residents haven’t forbidden it. They say, ‘Just keep going.’ We will just follow the flow; if told to stop, we stop; if told to continue, we continue. But if you ask what I want, I want it to continue,” he said.

Previously, the Mayor of South Jakarta Administration, Syafrin Liputo, inspected the ferry and flood-prone residential areas along the Pesanggrahan River in Ulujami, Pesanggrahan. This inspection was a response to community complaints regarding flood risks and the lack of adequate transportation facilities for crossing the river, which currently relies solely on small ferries.

“To that end, the South Jakarta Administration plans to undertake infrastructure development in the form of a pedestrian bridge by the South Jakarta Road Works Sub-Department,” Syafrin stated in a briefing on Sunday (30/8).

According to him, the construction of the pedestrian bridge to connect Ulujami and North Kebayoran Lama will provide safety and comfort for residents crossing the river. Furthermore, to anticipate flooding in the area, the South Jakarta Water Resources Sub-Department (Sudin SDA) will clean and dredge the Pesanggrahan River to minimise the potential for water accumulation.