Jakarta legislator urges Ragunan management to evaluate payment system
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta DPRD member Hardiyanto Kenneth has requested the management of Ragunan Zoo to conduct a thorough evaluation of the payment system, which is deemed to be causing difficulties for some visitors.
“The digitalisation of transactions is certainly a good step and must be supported. However, its implementation should not end up making things difficult for the public who wish to enjoy public facilities,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, the ticket purchasing system at Raguna Zoo has come under scrutiny because several visitors have complained that the direct ticket purchasing process is still impractical and inflexible, particularly for those arriving in private vehicles.
Kenneth stated that these complaints arise because visitors who do not yet possess a JakCard must first purchase the card in cash before they can complete the transaction to enter the tourist area, which is owned by the Jakarta Provincial Government.
The member of Commission C of the Jakarta DPRD emphasised that the digitalisation of transactions in tourist areas owned by the Jakarta Provincial Government must provide convenience to the public, rather than adding obstacles during leisure trips.
According to the man affectionately known as Bang Kent, the issue that requires attention is not only the ease of payment access but also the transparency and accountability of regional revenue management.
He assessed that if there are practices that appear to condition or force visitors to make cash payments due to an inflexible payment system, then this needs to be seriously evaluated.
Bang Kent stated that all transactions related to public services should be recorded electronically so they can be properly audited and accounted for, noting that the use of digital payment systems is also vital to minimise the potential loss of regional revenue.
He also highlighted the limited range of payment options available to Ragunan visitors. Amidst a society that is increasingly accustomed to digital transactions, he believes management needs to provide more alternative payment methods.
“Currently, the public is used to using QRIS, interbank debit cards, digital wallets, and even online ticket purchases. Therefore, there is no reason for public services to limit payment choices, which potentially complicates things for visitors,” he said.
Bang Kent compared the payment system at Ragunan with the Ancol tourist area, which he noted has already provided various transaction options for visitors.
Consequently, he is urging the Jakarta Provincial Government and the management of Ragunan Zoo to immediately introduce a more modern, integrated, and easily accessible payment system for all layers of society.
“I will request an explanation from both the management and the relevant agencies regarding the current payment system, including the mechanism for managing and recording all incoming revenue,” he concluded.