Lenteng Agung Pedestrian Bridge Lift Out of Service, Elderly Forced to Use Stairs

Elderly residents have reported difficulties after being forced to climb the stairs because the lift on the Lenteng Agung Pedestrian Bridge (JPO) in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, was not functioning on Wednesday. The lift is currently under repair.

Saefullah, 66, said he only discovered the lift was out of service when he tried to use the facility. “I just read that the lift cannot be used because it is under repair,” he said on Wednesday.

As a result of having to climb the steps on the Lenteng Agung JPO, Saefullah faced challenges crossing the road. He stated that the lift facility on the pedestrian bridge is crucial for elderly people with physical limitations. “I have to climb 60 steps here, not yet on the other side, so a total of 120 steps,” he said.

Another resident, Lia Yulianti, 40, said she often uses the lift on the Lenteng Agung JPO to cross. Although she is not elderly, she had to find an alternative route because her legs are affected by calcification. “When the lift is broken, I dare not climb the stairs because my legs hurt and I am not strong enough,” said Lia. The high steps on the Lenteng Agung JPO make it difficult for elderly residents or those with reduced mobility to climb them.

The Head of the Data and Information Centre for the Jakarta Bina Marga Office, Siti Dinarwenny, said the Lenteng Agung JPO lift is temporarily unable to operate due to damage to the electrical system, which is suspected to have been caused by vandalism. “A number of the lift’s electrical wiring networks were found in a cut condition,” she said.

The damage was only discovered on Tuesday. The Bina Marga Office is currently repairing it. She appealed to all members of the public to maintain and take care of public facilities.