The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has recorded a 9.74% increase in the number of pedestrians in the capital during the first five months of 2026, reflecting growing public interest in healthier and more active lifestyles.
Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Budi Awaludin, said pedestrian numbers rose from 265,952 between January and May 2025 to 291,852 during the same period in 2026.
According to Budi, the increase demonstrates the public’s growing enthusiasm for using public spaces not only for mobility but also for exercise, recreation, and social interaction.
“We see the public’s need for public spaces continuing to increase. Therefore, the Jakarta Provincial Government is providing alternative CFD locations in the Rasuna Said area so that more residents can enjoy healthy, comfortable, and pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly urban spaces,” Budi said in Jakarta on Friday, as quoted by Antara.
The increase comes as the city continues efforts to improve accessibility to public spaces and encourage residents to adopt more sustainable modes of transport.
Rasuna Said Car Free Day to Support Healthy Mobility
Budi said the expansion of Car Free Day (CFD), known locally as Hari Bebas Kendaraan Bermotor (HBKB), to the Rasuna Said corridor forms part of the Jakarta Provincial Government’s broader strategy to promote healthier and more environmentally friendly mobility habits.
The initiative is expected to encourage more residents to walk, cycle, and use public transport, while also contributing to improved air quality across the city.
To support the implementation of the Rasuna Said CFD, the Jakarta Transportation Agency has prepared 10 alternative traffic diversion routes and designated four off-street parking facilities with a combined capacity of 1,914 cars and 1,910 motorcycles.
Public transport services have also been strengthened to support visitors attending the event. The agency has coordinated seven Transjakarta routes and two Jabodebek LRT routes to improve accessibility to the area.
In addition, the agency has conducted coordination meetings with the management of places of worship, hotels, meeting venues, embassies, and other stakeholders located along the Rasuna Said corridor.
“We have thoroughly prepared all aspects of the implementation of the Rasuna Said Free Day (HBKB) so that the public can enjoy this activity safely, comfortably, and enjoyably,” Budi said.
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Encouraging a More Active Population
The rise in pedestrian numbers comes amid ongoing discussions about physical activity levels in Indonesia. Previous research conducted by Stanford University and published in the journal Nature found that Indonesians recorded one of the lowest average daily step counts globally, with an average of 3,513 steps per day.
Health experts have long emphasised the importance of regular physical activity, including walking, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Increased access to pedestrian-friendly public spaces is therefore seen as an important step towards encouraging more active habits among urban residents.
Through initiatives such as expanded Car Free Day programmes and improved public infrastructure, Jakarta authorities hope to foster a stronger culture of walking, cycling, and public transport use while creating healthier and more liveable urban environments.
