Tebet Zebra Crossing: Residents' Colourful Critique Set to be Repainted

JAKARTA - The zebra crossing in the Tebet area of South Jakarta has once again come under the spotlight.

After residents and graffiti artists repainted it in a variety of colours, the DKI Jakarta Road Infrastructure Agency plans to repaint the road markings in accordance with standards.

Head of the South Jakarta Road Infrastructure Sub-Department, Rifki Rismal, explained that the use of bright colours on the zebra crossing could potentially disrupt drivers’ concentration.

The repainting will use standard materials to ensure greater safety and durability.

“Because road marking work is carried out only when the asphalt condition is fully mature and compacted. So this year, it is only planned to be remarked,” he said.

Rifki emphasised that repainting the zebra crossing has been planned since the road arrangement work was completed at the end of 2025.

“Yes, it will definitely be done soon. The Road Infrastructure Agency will handle it,” Rifki stated.

The initiator of the zebra crossing painting, Ijoel, previously said that the action stemmed from residents’ concerns about difficulties in crossing the road.

“Because there are many churchgoers nearby as well as students, they reported to me about the zebra crossing, starting from last year,” Ijoel said.

Together with other art activists, he added colourful illustrations, including Pac-Man game characters, as a form of artistic touch and criticism to prompt quicker government action.

Kemas, an art activist who participated in the painting, noted that the spray paint used only lasts about a month.

“The aim is for the public to know that this isn’t being addressed, but once it becomes a big issue, then it’s handled,” Kemas said.