Jakarta Bus Stops Can Be Named After Political Parties, DKI DPRD: As Long as It Doesn't Damage the City's Appearance
The Chairman of Commission B of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Nova Harivan Paloh, responded to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung’s statement inviting political parties to participate in the naming rights programme for bus stops in the capital.
Nova reminded that the naming of bus stops must still consider the city’s aesthetics and not damage the appearance of public spaces.
“The most important thing is to maintain aesthetics. Don’t let it damage the city’s appearance,” Nova said when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
According to him, as long as political parties follow the rules and pay, it is allowed.
“I think the commercialisation effect with anyone is fine, as long as they pay according to the rules,” Nova stated.
Nova explained that the bus stop naming policy, particularly on the TransJakarta network, has so far been implemented to increase Regional Original Revenue (PAD).
The naming rights scheme is considered a potential source of income for the DKI Jakarta Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD).
The pricing determination, he said, greatly depends on the location and visibility level of the bus stop.
“If in main points like Sudirman, the value can reach billions of rupiah. So, anyone, including political parties, is welcome, as long as they are able and willing to pay according to the provisions,” he explained.
In response to public concerns that this policy could become a venue for covert campaigning by political parties, Nova assessed that it is not an issue as long as it follows the same mechanism as other commercial advertisements.
“If even billboards have been allowed for anyone as long as they pay, it’s the same. The important thing is not free,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, Nova revealed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is currently seeking various ways to increase PAD, especially after a decline in revenue-sharing funds (DBH) of around Rp15 trillion in the previous year.