In Jakarta, it’s common to see official cars cutting through traffic jams with the help of escorts and patrols. However, this practice has sparked criticism, leading to suggestions that state officials should ride public transportation at least once a week.
The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) has proposed limiting the use of police escorts and patrols (patwal) for state officials, except for the President and Vice President. This proposal follows widespread complaints that such practices only worsen Jakarta’s notorious traffic congestion.
Djoko Setijowarno, Deputy Chairperson for Regional Empowerment and Development at MTI, believes that using public transportation would help officials better understand the daily challenges faced by the public.
“State officials should get used to using public transportation, at least once a week,” Djoko said in an interview with Kompas on Monday, January 27, 2025.
“By mixing with the general public, they will know the real conditions of people’s lives.”
MTI also emphasized that patrols should be reserved for top officials only.
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“In daily life with the hustle and bustle of traffic jams in the city of Jakarta, escorts should be limited to the President and Vice President,” Djoko explained. “Other state officials do not need to be escorted like the President and Vice President. If it is really necessary to attend a meeting, Jakarta’s public transportation system already provides excellent services, covering 89.5 percent of the city.”
According to Djoko, public transit in Jakarta now serves all housing and residential areas, with bus stops located within 500 meters of most homes. This means public transportation is accessible and comparable to systems in major cities around the world, where even officials frequently use public transit.
“State officials should get used to using public transportation, at least once a week,” he reiterated. “By mingling with the general public, they will gain a clearer understanding of the real conditions faced by the people.”
The suggestion aims to foster a sense of empathy and encourage leaders to address the root causes of Jakarta’s congestion.
