Jakarta Provincial Government Affirms 'Pac-Man' Zebra Crossing in Tebet Will Not Be Removed: It Will Be Standardised

The Jakarta Provincial Government has clarified the issue regarding the zebra crossing with a ‘Pac-Man’ game motif in Tebet, South Jakarta, which was rumoured to be removed. Vice Coordinator of the Governor’s Special Staff, Yustinus Prastowo, affirmed that the Jakarta Provincial Government has never intended to remove the zebra crossing.

This was stated by Prastowo at Jakarta City Hall on Tuesday (31/3/2026). He said that the Public Works Agency only reminded that zebra crossings have standards and regulations.

“One online media outlet concluded from the Public Works Agency’s release as if it were going to be removed. In fact, the Public Works Agency was only reminding. First, they have appreciated it. Second, it will be worked on after the layering is completed. Third, reminding that zebra crossings have regulations,” he explained.

Prastowo explained the reason for the need to standardise the zebra crossing. According to him, certain designs like three-dimensional images have the potential to confuse some road users.

“If someone with a spatial disorder sees such an object, they could fall. That’s why things like this need to be standardised,” he said.

“So, without diminishing respect for it, there is a plan for us to carry out standardisation,” he added.

Nevertheless, the DKI Provincial Government affirmed that the zebra crossing already made by residents as a positive initiative will not be removed in the near future. He gave an example of five points of zebra crossings on Jalan Supomo, four of which have been completed, while one painted by residents is left as is for now.

“But for what has already been made by residents as a form of appreciation, we will leave it for now,” he said.

Regarding future improvements, Prastowo mentioned that the Provincial Government will coordinate with residents and the content creators who made the zebra crossing. He affirmed that the government is open to accommodating creative ideas for the development of public spaces.

“Later, we will also invite content creators and people with ideas to involve them. There must be other public spaces that can be supported,” he said.

Regarding the question of why the zebra crossing improvements can be carried out immediately even though it is still in the planning stage, Prastowo affirmed that replacing the zebra crossing paint is not a large-scale job and can be done immediately.

“A zebra crossing should not be large-scale maintenance; it should be able to be done immediately. That one is as appreciation,” he added.