"Jakarta's sidewalks are not perfect, yes. Not well connected, yes. But now, that development is underway," Wibowo stated during an interview in West Jakarta on Monday.
The governor emphasized that upgrading sidewalks is a key ongoing program under his leadership.
Specific efforts include repairing "guiding blocks" (tactile paths for the disabled) and moving electrical cables underground to eliminate obstructive utility poles.
Currently, areas, such as Kebayoran Baru and Blok M, are undergoing these sidewalk renovation projects.
The governor further stressed his vision for Jakarta's sidewalks to be both pedestrian-friendly and fully accessible for people with disabilities.
"The most important aspect is not just to be friendly to pedestrians but also to those with disabilities.
"And for the new sidewalks that are currently being built in Blok M, I require all of them to be accessible for the disabled," he affirmed.
This commitment seeks to address historical urban planning biases and enforcement challenges, striving towards a more inclusive and functional pedestrian infrastructure in the city.
Jakarta's sidewalks are plagued by a multitude of issues that severely undermine pedestrian safety, comfort, and accessibility.
Related news: Two killed, one pedestrian injured in traffic accident in Jakarta
A large part of the city's extensive road network still lacks dedicated pedestrian paths, forcing people to walk dangerously close to vehicles.
Where sidewalks do exist, they are often in poor condition, characterized by uneven surfaces, potholes, and inconsistent maintenance.
Some sidewalks are often too narrow for comfortable use and are obstructed by various elements like trees, utility poles, and construction debris, making navigation challenging, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Moreover, street vendors frequently occupy these public spaces, setting up stalls that completely block pedestrian movement.
Sidewalks are also often used as unauthorized extensions of parking lots, with illegal parking by both cars and motorcycles being common.
Furthermore, motorcycles frequently use sidewalks to bypass traffic, creating hazardous situations for pedestrians.
Inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations has led to a normalized pattern of misuse that prioritizes other activities over pedestrian rights.
Related news: Indonesia's 1st underground pedestrian crossing being built in Jakarta
Reporter: Lifia Mawaddah Putri, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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