Residents Complain About Damaged Pedestrian Bridge at Rambutan Terminal
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Residents are complaining about the damaged condition of the pedestrian bridge (JPO) at Kampung Rambutan Terminal in Ciracas, East Jakarta, which has been concerning for a long time.
“Honestly, we’re definitely anxious and confused because it’s been a very long time—two or three years, at least—that the condition has been damaged. No, not just now,” said a local resident, Sarah (29), in East Jakarta on Thursday.
She regretted that this public facility, which should support pedestrian safety, has been left damaged for years without repairs, causing worry and anxiety among the community.
As far as Sarah knows, the damage to the JPO in the intercity interprovincial bus terminal area has persisted for more than three years.
The physical condition of the damaged bridge makes residents reluctant to use it. The collapsed bridge flooring and shaky structure are considered dangerous to users’ safety.
“Just look at the condition like that. People are already scared to pass through there. The flooring has collapsed too. Even I feel horrified,” said Sarah.
“There used to be a roof, but now it’s all gone. And you can see from afar that it’s neglected and dirty,” she added.
Not only safety issues, the JPO is also suspected to be a site for disturbing social activities.
Sarah mentioned that in the evenings until night, the bridge is often used as a place to gather and sleep by several people. This activity occurs almost every day and is often accompanied by behaviour that disrupts order.
“In the afternoon until night, many people hang out and sleep there. Unclear individuals. And from what I see, almost every night there’s someone like a drunk person there,” said Sarah.
Another resident, Heru (44), assessed that since the initial construction of the JPO, it has not adequately considered community needs. The presence of stairs has become an obstacle, especially for elderly users.
“People are already lazy to climb the stairs. Especially the elderly, they don’t want to because they can’t manage it,” said Heru.
“That’s not our domain, but Bina Marga’s,” said Revi.