Footpath by Cikini Station Choked with Motorbikes, Illegal Parking and Street Vendors; Pedestrians Forced to Walk on the Road

Jakarta — The footpath on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur, around Cikini Station, Central Jakarta, is now crowded with motorcycles, illegally parked vehicles, and street vendors (PKL). This situation forces pedestrians to frequently step aside or move onto the roadway to avoid the vehicles. Puspitasari (27), a private-sector employee from East Jakarta, says footpath enforcement must be routine, not occasional.

“There should be routine enforcement. Not just occasionally, because when the officers are gone motorcycles usually park again on the footpath,” she said, speaking to Kompas.com near the footpath area on Thursday (5/3/2026). “Many people alight here from the station. The footpath should be kept clear so pedestrians can walk safely,” she added.

Ahmad Fauzi (34), a shop employee, says the footpath now resembles an alternative motorcycle route. “Sometimes they ride onto the footpath to avoid the jam. If there were regular officers on duty, motorcycles would not dare to ride onto the footpath again,” he said.

Raya (29), a West Jakarta resident, says this situation is happening in many places across Jakarta. Kompas.com’s observations on Thursday 5 March 2026 showed the footpath around the exit and entrance to Cikini Station crowded with parked bikes and others driving along the footpath. Some riders even go against the flow. The space for pedestrians is narrow, so some people have to walk in a zig-zag or step onto the road.

In addition to motorbikes, PKL use the footpath to sell their goods, from cendol, fried snacks to drinks. Peak hours see pedestrians, motorbikes, and those stopping to buy food converging, making the footpath even more crowded.

The footpath has also become a gathering spot for ojol (ride-hailing drivers). Dedi (35), an ojol driver from Bekasi, says he has waited for passengers around the station exit for three years. Abdul (29), an ojol driver from North Jakarta, adds that the footpath is often filled with vehicles, traders, and ojol drivers. “Perhaps yes, because the road becomes narrow. But on the other hand we also seek passengers here. If there were a dedicated place for ojol to wait for passengers, that would be better,” he said.

Rudi (41), a parking attendant who works in front of shops along the Stasiun Cikini such as Kimia Farma and FamilyMart, says he has been overseeing parking there for about five years. “I’ve been here for about five years. I usually help direct motorcycles that want to park in front of those shops,” Rudi said.