Jakarta Sights Roar Back to Life After Three-Month Slumber

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta’s weekly Car Free Day has been held for the first time after a three-month slumber forced by the Covid-19 pandemic. True to tradition, the event was held at the Sudirman and Thamrin thoroughfares on Sunday, June 21.

New regulations

Jakarta Transportation Agency head Syafrin Liputo said there are changes to the implementation of the Car Free Day. “The Car Free Day will now be held from 6 to 10 am instead of [the pre-coronavirus time of] 11 am,” he said on Friday, June 19.

He added that security personnel, including the military and police, will safeguard Car Free Day.

 Also read: Jakarta to Reinstate Car Free Day

Syafrin added that food vendors will be barred from Car Free Day. However, the new rules do not deter people from flocking to the town center and enjoying the outdoors on foot or bicycle.

People on bicycles have been making up most of the participants, followed by joggers and those on foot. The authorities also lamented the difficulties of imposing social distancing protocols on visitors.

Required items for Car Free Day

The authorities urged participants to bring items like masks, tissues, debit cards, hand sanitizer, a water bottle and plastic bags.

The Jakarta provincial administration will fine visitors who fail to wear a mask Rp. 250 thousand (USD 17.76). They also banned young children and those over the age of 60 from entering Car Free Day because of their vulnerability to Covid-19.

But this has not stopped them from coming with their families, forcing authorities to bar them. They also cracked down on visitors violating health protocols, such as not wearing masks or failing to practice social distancing.

Dokumentasi Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)

TMII reopens

On the other side of town, the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park [Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or TMII] has also opened its doors this weekend.

“[TMII] has recorded 2,000 visitors when it opened on Saturday, 20 June,” said TMII Information Manager Ira. “This is a good start, considering that the amusement park has been closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“The visitors have been enthusiastic, with some waiting before we open at 8 am. We expect a bigger turnout this Sunday, June 21.”