Tendean Road Closed Due to Footbridge Demolition, Gridlock Ensues

Two lanes of Jalan Kapten Tendean in Mampang, South Jakarta, were closed on Tuesday afternoon (14/7) due to the demolition of a pedestrian bridge (JPO) that was struck by a lorry the previous night. The closure has caused gridlock in the surrounding area, affecting Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jalan Wijaya, Senopati, and Jalan Tutty Awaliyah. According to CNN Indonesia’s observations, officers closed the road and prohibited vehicles from passing starting from the Senopati traffic lights. Vehicles from Jalan Wijaya were directed to turn right onto Jalan Wolter Monginsidi towards Blok M. Several motorcycles attempted to pass but were unable to proceed as the road was completely blocked. Similarly, vehicles from the Kuningan and Mampang directions were not allowed through, prompting motorcyclists to seek alternative routes. The road closure has resulted in extensive tailbacks, with congestion observed on Jalan Gatot Subroto up to Jalan HR Rasuna Said. On Jalan Kuningan Barat, traffic was at a complete standstill. Police also closed the Kuningan traffic lights for vehicles heading towards Mampang, instructing motorists coming from Senayan to continue straight towards Pancoran. The pedestrian bridge was nearly destroyed after being hit by a lorry carrying heavy equipment or a crane. Preliminary checks by officers suggest the lorry driver was using a mobile phone at the time of the incident. While the lorry has been evacuated, the bridge was deemed dangerously close to collapse and had to be dismantled. ‘Our handling by Bina Marga is first to dismantle this JPO. Because we see the foundation on this side, the pillar has come loose, so we have no choice but to remove it. The removal also cannot be partial; it must be entirely removed. Because, you see, we have no central support,’ said Kasudin, Head of the Bina Marga Sub-department, to reporters on Tuesday (14/7).