Zebra crossing in Tebet viewed as fundamental right for pedestrians

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Residents’ action to repaint the pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing) on Jalan Prof. DR. Soepomo in Tebet, South Jakarta, is regarded as a fundamental right for pedestrians. “The important thing is that the facilities we need are there and safe. Especially in that area, it’s very dangerous if there’s no marker for pedestrians,” said volunteer Rafli Zulkarnaen, or Ijoel, when contacted in Jakarta on Monday. Ijoel assessed that the situation is increasingly risky because the location is at a point with limited visibility (blind spot). Moreover, as a volunteer, he has received many complaints from various groups, including users of public facilities around the site. “Church congregants, even parents of schoolchildren nearby, have complained. They say mothers going to church or schoolchildren have difficulty crossing because the zebra crossing is gone,” he stated. Therefore, his collaboration inviting residents and artists to repaint the zebra crossing with Pac-Man game characters is seen as an expression of concern regarding the provision of public facilities in Jakarta. “This is a form of concern. As residents, we don’t care which department’s responsibility it is; the important thing is that the facilities we need are there and safe,” he said. He emphasised that the presence of the zebra crossing still prioritises its functionality while introducing a creative approach without neglecting its main function as a road crossing. “The goal is to make it more attractive, but still functional. We ensure that 80 percent of it still looks like a zebra crossing so that its function is maintained and not dangerous,” he said. Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Public Works Department appreciates the community’s concern and initiative in painting the road used as a zebra crossing on Jalan Soepomo, South Jakarta. However, it was conveyed that the creation of road markings, including zebra crossings, must refer to applicable legal regulations and technical standards. “This is important to ensure the safety aspect for all road users, both pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers, and to prevent potential distractions that could disrupt driving concentration,” said the Head of the Road Marking Section of the DKI Jakarta Public Works Department, Siti Dinarwenny. It was explained that this condition occurred due to periodic road maintenance activities and the construction/improvement of sidewalks at the end of 2025, which caused the existing “zebra cross” marking to be covered by a new asphalt layer. Reinstallation of road markings cannot be done immediately after asphalting, because thermoplastic marking material requires optimal road surface drying conditions to adhere properly and have maximum durability. As follow-up, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Public Works Department has designated the location as a priority in the 2026 road marking maintenance plan, including rebuilding the zebra crossing facility in the near future.