Trying the Pesing River Getek: A Traffic-Beating Shortcut from Taman Kota to Green Garden, West Jakarta

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com - The roar of vehicle engines and the density of traffic are daily realities for residents of West Jakarta. Yet, behind the capital’s traffic jams, a traditional alternative route endures, continuing to serve daily mobility.

Precisely along Jalan Perumahan Taman Kota in Kembangan, a simple wooden raft, the getek, operates daily, crossing the calm flow of the Pesing River to ferry residents to the Green Garden Residence complex or vice versa.

In the midst of Jakarta’s rapid development of modern transport modes, the charm of this getek remains undiminished.

This water transport has become a choice for motorcyclists who do not want to waste time and energy stuck in the congestion of Jalan Panjang and Jalan Daan Mogot.

To locate the getek, residents must enter the Taman Kota Complex and then turn left at the junction toward Basmol. Thereafter, they enter the residential area behind the Taman Kota Complex, adjacent directly to the Pesing River watercourse.

Directly above the Pesing River watercourse, three wooden rafts float to ferry residents, whether pedestrians or motorcyclists, across toward Green Garden.

After crossing the dark-coloured water flow, riders enter a densely populated area in a narrow alley behind the Elite Green Garden Complex.

From Jalan Green Garden North Gate, riders need only go straight for about 500 metres and emerge on Jalan Panjang opposite the BYD showroom Kebon Jeruk.

The raft used is a structure of wooden planks assembled with a roof. The raft is sturdy enough to support the weight of several motorcycles and their riders.

There is no engine noise. This getek is powered purely by human effort.

Three men are on duty, pulling a thick rope stretched across from the Taman Kota side to the Green Garden side.

The three getek operators wrap their hands with foam salvaged from discarded flip-flops to cushion them as they handle the rope.