Root Cause of Lebak Bulus Traffic Jams: Three Closely Spaced Intersections

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Traffic congestion in the Lebak Bulus area of South Jakarta frustrates road users due to the lack of concrete solutions to address it. The Instagram account @itx_ then uploaded a video containing ideas to tackle the traffic problem. The video highlights the numerous closely spaced intersections in the Lebak Bulus area, combined with traffic lights in short distances. It is mentioned that drivers even have to pass through up to three red lights within a span of just hundreds of metres. This condition is considered to make traffic flow not smooth because vehicles are held up at several points simultaneously. As an alternative, the post proposes several solutions, such as changing the road design to a large roundabout, reducing the number of traffic lights, and connecting roads along approximately 130 metres to smooth vehicle flow without many obstacles. Kompas.com’s observation at the location shows that traffic flow at the intersection is stuttering. Several motorcyclists are seen filling the road body, waiting for the traffic light that is still red. In one relatively short road stretch, three traffic light points are visible regulating vehicle flow from various directions. Amid the density, an officer is seen standing in the middle of the intersection to help regulate vehicle flow. This condition is also directly felt by residents who pass through the area daily. Anton (47) passes through the Lebak Bulus route almost every day when going to and from work. According to him, congestion almost always occurs, especially during peak morning and evening hours.