Pramono Apologises for the Stalled Tebet Zebra Crossing
Governor of Jakarta Pramono Anung Wibowo has finally issued an apology after the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government faced criticism for the slow handling of repairs to the zebra crossing in the Tebet area, South Jakarta. Public scrutiny intensified after residents took matters into their own hands by repainting the crossing, which had not been restored.
“We apologise for that,” Pramono said at Jakarta City Hall on Tuesday (31/3).
The apology comes amid criticism that basic facilities for pedestrians should not require public pressure to receive attention. On the other hand, Pramono acknowledged that the community’s initiative deserves appreciation as it demonstrates concern for the safety of road users.
However, he stressed that creating zebra crossings cannot be done arbitrarily. According to him, crossing markings have technical rules that must be followed, including applicable general standards.
“For the residents’ creative zebra crossing, I express my thanks. However, zebra crossings also have their rules. So what is happening now in the field, we will perfect it again, we will return it to the rules that have been regulated,” Pramono stated.
Previously, the DKI Jakarta Road Infrastructure Agency also expressed appreciation for the residents’ action in painting the road used as a zebra crossing on Jalan Soepomo, Tebet. Nevertheless, the agency emphasised that every road marking, including zebra crossings, must refer to applicable laws and technical standards.
Head of Data and Information Centre of the DKI Jakarta Road Infrastructure Agency, Siti Dinarwenny, said that these rules are important to maintain the safety of all road users, both pedestrians and drivers, while preventing visual disturbances that could potentially disrupt concentration while driving.
She explained that the disappearance of the zebra crossing at that location stemmed from periodic road maintenance work and the construction and improvement of sidewalks at the end of 2025. That project caused the old markings to be covered by a new layer of asphalt.
According to Siti, reinstalling the markings cannot be done immediately after asphalting. Thermoplastic marking materials require the road surface to be sufficiently dry so that they can adhere perfectly and have optimal durability.
As a follow-up, the DKI Road Infrastructure Agency has designated that point as a priority in the 2026 road marking maintenance plan. The provincial government also assures that the reconstruction of the zebra crossing facility at that location will be carried out in the near future.