Jakarta Discontinues Car Free Day

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Jakarta Provincial Administration has discontinued Car Free Day  on its main thoroughfares less than a week after the Sunday tradition was reinstated last weekend.

DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency head Syafrin Liputo confirmed the move to Kompas.com on Wednesday, June 24. He has not given the Jakarta Provincial Administration’s reasons for discontinuing Car Free Day.

Questioning Car Free Day

The step comes after the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council [DPRD] questioned Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan’s decision to hold the event.

The critics included DPRD chairman Prasetio Edi Marsudi.

Also read: Indonesian Public Still Flout Health Protocols

“The [Jakarta Provincial Administration’s decision to hold] Car Free Day last Sunday is questionable because many of those participating did not observe [health protocols],” said the Indonesian Party of Struggle [PDI-P] party legislator.

“If they want to turn out for Car Free Day, then they should abide by health protocols. I fear that if the Jakarta Provincial Administration does not intervene, then they will allow the growth of a new Covid-19 cluster.”

Indonesian Solidarity Party [PSI] legislator Justin Adrian agreed with Prasetio.

“The Jakarta Provincial Administration should cancel Car Free Day until the situation returns to normal,” he said. “Holding it now is a blatant disregard for the efforts of health workers in their fight against Covid-19.”