Why Does the DKI Provincial Government Want to Remove the "Pac-Man" Zebra Crossing in Tebet Painted by Artists?

JAKARTA - The “Pac-Man” zebra crossing painted by several graffiti artists in Tebet, South Jakarta, will be removed.

Head of the South Jakarta Road Infrastructure Sub-Department, Rifki Rismal, stated that the repainted zebra crossing does not meet standards.

This is because, besides the black and white colours, the zebra crossing is also adorned with colourful images using spray paint to illustrate the Pac-Man game.

“If technically it is not permitted (the colours). Because overly busy and even coloured markings can distract drivers,” Rifki said when contacted, quoted on Monday (30/3/2026).

“It will definitely be done soon. Later, the Road Infrastructure Department will handle it,” he added.

Rifki explained that the zebra crossing was indeed planned to be repainted this year.

This is because the road arrangement work at the location was only completed at the end of 2025.

“Because marking work is done when the asphalt condition is truly mature and dense. So this year it is planned to be remarked,” he said.

However, Rifki has not specified exactly when the removal and repainting process will take place.

Meanwhile, resident Ijoel, who initiated the colourful zebra crossing, claimed to have considered the colour composition used.

“Because there are many churchgoers nearby and also students, they reported to me about the zebra crossing, it has been missing its colour since last year. Then a month ago there was content from Cecil (social media account) too, turns out the zebra crossing still isn’t there,” Ijoel said when contacted separately.

According to him, the main function of the zebra crossing is still prioritised with the use of more dominant white colour.

Meanwhile, the Pac-Man illustration made together with art activists is only an artistic touch.

The main goal is to encourage the government to pay more attention to public facilities, especially pedestrian safety.