A foreign visitor has gone viral after sharing her experience of walking along Jakarta’s sidewalk with her family.
The video by Instagram account @theibuedit on Thursday (19 February 2026), shows family navigating uneven walkways, unexpected barriers and busy roadside activity. Her caption struck a humorous tone.
“Bule Optimism Meets Jakarta Sidewalks 😅
There’s never a dull moment walking in Jakarta…
on demand traffic management, community supported navigation, no shortage of obstacles, dynamic terrain, integrated strength training…all in peak humidity.
Not for the faint-hearted,” she wrote.
The remark quickly caught attention. Many viewers saw it as a playful yet pointed reflection on the state of pedestrian infrastructure in the capital.
In simple terms, she described the pavements as something of an adventure arena. Pedestrians, she suggested, must manage their own “traffic”, adapt to shifting surfaces and treat the journey as an impromptu fitness session. The high humidity only added to the challenge.
The video resonated widely. As of this writing, it has received more than 98,000 likes and over 4,000 comments.
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Netizens Respond and Call for Change
Online reactions were swift. Many Indonesian users responded with humour.
“You guys are very ready for Jakarta, ibu 👌😅,” wrote a netizen.
Others offered apologies for the inconvenience he experienced.
Several commenters thanked him for highlighting an issue locals face daily. Some admitted they rarely question the condition of pavements until they see them through a visitor’s eyes.
“It’s so true, Jakarta is difficult to navigate with a pushchair,” wrote a netizen.
Others took a more serious tone. They expressed hope that the Jakarta administration would prioritise pedestrian safety and comfort.
Jakarta has made efforts in recent years to improve public transport and pedestrian access. However, consistent maintenance and enforcement remain ongoing challenges.
Safe and accessible pavements are essential in any major city. For families walking together, they are not a luxury but a necessity.
Her experience, shared in jest, has once again placed Jakarta’s pedestrian spaces under the spotlight and prompted many to hope that future walks will be less of a workout and more of a pleasure.
