Jakarta legislator urges Ragunan management to evaluate payment system

Jakarta DPRD member Hardiyanto Kenneth has urged the management of Ragunan Zoo to conduct a thorough evaluation of its payment system, which is deemed to still inconvenience some visitors. “Transaction digitalisation is certainly a good step and must be supported. However, its implementation must not end up complicating members of the public who wish to enjoy public facilities,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Thursday. According to him, Ragunan Zoo’s entry ticket purchasing system has come under scrutiny because a number of visitors have complained that the on-site ticket purchasing process is still considered impractical and inflexible, especially for those arriving by private vehicle. Kenneth stated that the complaints arose because visitors who do not yet have a JakCard must first purchase the card with cash before they can transact to enter the tourist area owned by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. The member of Commission C of the DKI Jakarta DPRD stressed that the digitalisation of transactions in the tourist area must provide convenience for the public, not add obstacles when holidaying. The politician, familiarly known as Bang Kent, said the issue requiring attention is not only about ease of payment access but also transparency and accountability in managing regional revenue. He argued that any practices that appear to create conditions requiring or forcing visitors to pay in cash due to an inflexible payment system need to be evaluated seriously. Bang Kent asserted that all transactions related to public services should be recorded electronically so they can be audited and properly accounted for, although using a digital payment system is also important to minimise the potential loss of regional revenue. He also highlighted the still-limited payment options available for Ragunan visitors. In an era where the public is increasingly accustomed to digital transactions, he believes the management needs to provide more payment alternatives. “Currently, people are used to using QRIS, cross-bank debit cards, digital wallets, and online ticket purchasing. Therefore, there is no reason for public services to limit payment choices, which potentially inconveniences visitors,” he said. Bang Kent compared the payment system at Ragunan with the Ancol tourist area, which he considered to have provided various transaction options for visitors. Consequently, he urged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and Ragunan Zoo management to promptly provide a more modern, integrated, and easily accessible payment system for all segments of society. “I will request an explanation from the management and relevant agencies regarding the current payment system, including the mechanism for managing and recording all incoming revenue,” he said.