TransJakarta Bus Shelters Can Use Political Party Names, PAN Reminds of the Importance of Neutrality

The National Mandate Party (PAN) appreciates the Jakarta Provincial Government’s initiative to open opportunities for collaboration with various parties in utilising public facilities such as TransJakarta bus shelters.

The General Secretary of the PAN Central Executive Board, Eko Hendro Purnomo, stated that this policy demonstrates the government’s openness in encouraging participation from various elements in city development.

“We appreciate the Jakarta Provincial Government’s initiative in providing broader participation opportunities, including to political parties. This reflects a collaborative spirit in building a more inclusive Jakarta,” Eko said in his statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).

However, PAN views the plan to provide space for political party branding at TransJakarta bus shelters as needing in-depth review. This is important to ensure that the primary function of public spaces, especially public transportation, remains neutral and free from practical political interests.

“Public transportation is a shared space used by all levels of society regardless of political background. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain its neutrality to avoid impressions of bias or the politicisation of public spaces,” Eko explained.

PAN assesses that there are at least several rational considerations that need to be addressed. First, the presence of political party branding on public facilities has the potential to blur the boundaries between public services and political interests, which should be firmly maintained in good governance.

Second, it could cause discomfort to public transportation users who desire a space free from political messages, especially amid the diversity of political preferences among Jakarta residents.

Third, this policy could trigger branding competition among parties in public spaces, which ultimately may shift the aesthetic and comfort functions of public facilities.

Fourth, from the perspective of democratic ethics, public spaces should be neutral areas that strengthen unity, rather than opening spaces for segmentation based on political identity.

PAN encourages the Jakarta Provincial Government to continue opening collaboration opportunities with various parties, but while prioritising the principle of public space neutrality and the broader interests of the community.

“We support innovation and collaboration, but we also remind that public spaces must remain everyone’s property, without any specific political colour,” Eko concluded.