Open House at City Hall: Residents Claim They Didn't Have Time to Voice Aspirations

JAKARTA - Several residents claimed they did not have the chance to voice their complaints to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and Deputy Governor Rano Karno during the open house at City Hall on Saturday (21/3/2026). This was due to the interactions being brief and limited to handshakes. One resident from Kebayoran, Hendrik (35), said he had arrived since 12:00 WIB to queue before the event started. He noted that his position was not far from the front of the line. However, once inside, the time for interaction was very limited. Hendrik said he could only shake hands with Pramono and Rano upon entering the reception room of City Hall. “I actually wanted to take a photo, but it wasn’t possible. It’s disappointing, especially since I came all this way,” he said. He also described the atmosphere inside as rushed. Nevertheless, he still expressed his hopes regarding traffic improvements and flood management in Jakarta. “I hope Jakarta’s traffic runs smoothly without congestion. And free from flooding, with unfit houses being repaired,” he said. He admitted he did not have the chance to directly convey his complaints to the governor. “No time to chat. Inside, they were herded along, so it was just a handshake,” said Karin. She said she actually wanted to raise a complaint about the condition of the Transjakarta bus stop in the Kayu Putih, Pulomas area. The stop was deemed not yet child-friendly due to its deteriorating condition. Therefore, she hoped that the event organisers could provide more space for residents to voice their aspirations, including paying attention to vulnerable groups such as mothers with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. “If possible, there should be priority for those with young children or the elderly. So it’s more comfortable,” she said.