Jakarta Council Focuses on Fulfilling Basic Public Infrastructure

Commission D of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI) is urging the Jakarta Bina Marga Agency to prioritise meeting the basic infrastructure needs of the community in the preparation and execution of the budget. Deputy Speaker of DPRD DKI Jakarta Wibi Andrino, who also coordinates Commission D, stressed that programmes directly related to the needs of the community must not be neglected due to budget limitations. Programme implementation must also not be slow. The infrastructure fulfilment referred to includes repairs to neighbourhood roads, road paving, and public street lighting (PJU). ‘Do not let the basic things needed by the community have no money (budget). And then be slow,’ said Wibi. As a city that is transforming into a global city, he continued, Jakarta must focus on infrastructure development that is more oriented towards the comfort and safety of residents, particularly pedestrians. Therefore, Wibi asked the Bina Marga Agency to have clear targets. Pavement construction is very important to realise Jakarta as a pedestrian-friendly city. According to him, the Jakarta Provincial Government must ensure the fulfilment of the community’s basic needs before discussing more complex urban development concepts. ‘The issue of pedestrians. The issue of potholes. The issue of bridges and congestion. Because these are basic aspirations from our friends,’ said Wibi. Meanwhile, Commission D Member Matnoor Tindoan highlighted that there are still road sections that are not equipped with pavements and safety facilities for road users. Such conditions have the potential to endanger the public, especially on road sections that directly border rivers or waterways. Safe barriers are needed. ‘So as not to endanger residents,’ he said. For this reason, he asked the Bina Marga Agency to pay attention to the construction of road safety facilities, such as pavements and safety fences, especially in high-risk locations, so that the public remains safe when carrying out activities in public spaces. ‘Well, this is our job,’ concluded Matnoor.