Rano: Saturday-Sunday CFD still under consideration due to office operations

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has stated that the proposal to hold Car Free Day (CFD) twice a week, on both Saturdays and Sundays, is still under consideration because some offices still operate on Saturdays.

“Actually, it is an interesting proposal. It will certainly reduce emissions. That is certain. However, there is a consideration; while Sunday is easy, on Saturday, apologies, there might still be operations, such as going to the office. But it is an interesting idea,” Rano said when met at City Hall, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Rano explained that the proposal from the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has not yet been decided by the Jakarta Provincial Government. However, they are still considering it as Car Free Day (HBKB) is considered to have a positive impact on the environment.

“It is not actually difficult. It wouldn’t be long, right? It would be just like the current Car Free Day. But it would be effective (in reducing emissions),” said Rano.

Previously, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo admitted he did not want to rush the decision regarding the proposal to hold CFD twice a week on Saturdays and Sundays.

“Car Free Day is present in almost all parts of Jakarta. However, the fundamental question always concerns the Sudirman-Thamrin and Rasuna Said areas. Because of this, I do not want to be too hasty,” said Pramonto.

To that end, he requested that the proposal be studied first. It is hoped that CFD will not disrupt community activities during the weekend.

“We must ensure that the desire to make citizens healthy does not instead make them unhealthy due to the burden of closed roads and so on. Therefore, we will certainly decide at the appropriate time,” Pramono expressed.