Expert Claims Pac-Man Themed Zebra Crossing in Tebet Violates National Road Marking Standards

JAKARTA - Transportation expert Deddy Herlambang stated that the zebra crossing featuring Pac-Man game characters on Jalan Soepomo in Tebet, South Jakarta, violates national road marking standards. He noted that the violation refers to the Minister of Transportation Regulation (Permenhub). “Clearly, the Pac-Man zebra crossing violates the rules in Minister of Transportation Regulation Number PM 34 of 2014 because it does not comply with national, or even international, sign standards,” he said when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday (31/3/2026). “That is already an international safety standard that became PM 34 of 2014,” he explained. Nevertheless, he views the emergence of this zebra crossing as a form of public satire towards government performance. “Actually, this is the voice of the public through graffiti with visual art on the roadway because there is no provision of communication channels from the community to the government,” he revealed. According to him, the current public complaint access is no better than during the time of DKI Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok. During Governor Ahok’s era, Deddy said, there was the Qlue application so residents could report anything and anytime. Previously reported, a damaged road activist, Ijoel, and graffiti artist, Kemas, drew the zebra crossing on Jalan Soepomo in Tebet towards Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, with artistic touches of Pac-Man game character illustrations, on Wednesday (25/3/2026) in the early hours. However, the zebra crossing was erased. Head of the South Jakarta Road Infrastructure Sub-Department, Rifki Rismal, said the Pac-Man zebra crossing did not meet standards. Because, besides black and white colours, the zebra crossing was also adorned with colourful images using spray paint for Pac-Man game illustrations. “If technically, that is not permitted (the colours). Because markings that are too busy or even coloured can distract drivers’ concentration,” Rifki said when confirmed, quoted on Monday (30/3/2026). As a replacement, the DKI Jakarta Road Infrastructure Department will repaint the zebra crossing with applicable materials and standards. Rifki explained that the zebra crossing was indeed planned to be repainted this year.