Sarinah Pedestrian Overpass Revitalisation Complete, Now Disability-Friendly
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has officially reopened the Sarinah Pedestrian Overpass (JPO) in Central Jakarta following a comprehensive revitalisation process.
Adopting an inclusive infrastructure concept, Jakarta’s first and most historically significant pedestrian crossing now features a redesigned structure specifically engineered to be more accessible for persons with disabilities.
“Today we are revitalising this overpass to make it disability-friendly and so that everyone has choices,” Pramono stated at the Sarinah JPO site on Monday, 2 March.
The modernisation initiative ensures equitable accessibility of public spaces for all residents whilst accommodating the needs of pedestrians in the heart of the capital.
Pramono emphasised that the Jakarta provincial government now provides integrated support facilities enabling residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to access diverse crossing options that are both safe and comfortable.
“Whether they wish to use the lift or the pelican crossing that we continue to operate. Therefore, people who enjoy walking will have the choice to cross,” he explained.
“Those with special needs or disabilities can use these facilities, and it is also available for the general public,” Pramono added.
Beyond providing dedicated disabled-accessible lifts at the overpass, the development of this busy area will also extend to the area beneath the bridge.
Transjakarta Managing Director Welfizon Yuza noted that the pedestrian pathway or pavement surrounding the area is planned to be widened to 2.6 metres.
“This is phase one; phase two, ultimately after the pedestrian reinstatement by MRT sometime in May,” Yuza stated.
“So in May there will be pavement expansion of approximately 2.6 metres, providing pedestrians with more spacious access,” Yuza continued.
This expansion is expected to afford residents greater freedom of movement whilst facilitating easier access for visitors wishing to shop or experience the heritage shopping centre Sarinah.
“Since Sarinah is a heritage site, this will make it increasingly convenient for people to shop or visit Sarinah,” Pramono said.
The Sarinah JPO was constructed in 1968 during Governor Ali Sadikin’s tenure and is recorded as Jakarta’s first pedestrian overpass.
During Governor Ahok’s administration between 2016 and 2017, the Sudirman-Thamrin pedestrian corridor underwent restructuring with disability-friendly planning.
In 2022, under Governor Anies Baswedan’s leadership, the overpass was demolished and closed citing aesthetic urban considerations to preserve sightlines towards the Welcome Monument and historic buildings.
Consequently, pelican crossings were implemented as an alternative, considered more accessible for persons with disabilities, elderly residents, and pregnant women.