Flyovers Not for Recreation

Kalibata Flyover in South Jakarta becomes busy each afternoon as children and adults gather on the bridge sides to fly kites. Similarly, in the Pasar Rebo area, residents crowd the roadside to socialise and enjoy city views from above. However, the use of flyovers for recreation has drawn criticism due to traffic safety concerns.

At Kalibata Flyover, drivers have expressed concerns over kite strings frequently extending onto the roadway. Fikri (28), a motorcyclist regularly passing through the area, said on Friday, 22 May 2026: ‘The people themselves aren’t too much of an issue as they stay on the edge, but the kite strings are the real danger. If they drop onto the road, they could hit drivers.’ He even admitted nearly having an accident when kite strings suddenly crossed his path during heavy traffic. ‘I nearly got hit on the neck in a traffic jam. I had to brake suddenly,’ he said.

Another motorist, Surya (24), noted that such activities require drivers to be more cautious when passing flyovers. ‘I’m worried about strings crossing the road,’ he said.

Meanwhile, ride-hailing driver Faiz (41) highlighted the danger of glass-coated kite strings that could injure motorcyclists. ‘Using glass-coated strings is very dangerous for motorbikes. It can cause injuries if it hits,’ he said.

Bernad stated: ‘Flyovers are road infrastructure for traffic flow and safety, not recreational spaces.’ He added that kite flying on flyovers risks distracting drivers and causing accidents, including sudden stops and the heightened danger from kite strings.