DKI Jakarta, the bustling capital city of Indonesia, continues to grapple with the enduring issue of traffic congestion, which seems to defy resolution. In a bid to tackle this persistent problem head-on, the Traffic Directorate (Ditlantas) of the Jakarta Metro Police (Polda Metro Jaya) has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to revolutionize working hours by introducing a split-shift system.
The visionary behind this innovative initiative is none other than Kombes Pol Latif Usman, the esteemed Director of the Traffic Directorate. With the objective of alleviating traffic congestion while simultaneously enhancing the comfort and convenience of workers, the proposal to divide working hours into two distinct sessions holds the promise of transformative change.
Under this ambitious scheme, the envisaged split-shift hours are scheduled to commence at 8:00 AM Western Indonesia Time (WIB), followed by a second session at 10:00 AM WIB.
Departing from the conventional start time of 9:00 AM WIB, this groundbreaking measure aims to orchestrate a harmonious flow of traffic, liberating the city from the shackles of gridlock.
Anticipating the potential impact of this ingenious plan, Latif Usman expressed his optimism, stating, “Ideally, we anticipate a 50 percent reduction in traffic congestion. Imagine the convenience and contentment people will experience as they make their way to their respective workplaces, unhindered by the frustration of traffic jams,” emphasizing the transformative nature of the proposal.
Latif Usman also shed light on the chronological patterns of congestion in Jakarta, highlighting the peak hours of 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM WIB, during which the city experiences a surge in population density.
This influx of commuters, comprising both road users and public transportation passengers hailing from neighboring areas such as Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, and Bogor, collectively converges on the city center, exacerbating traffic congestion.
Enthusiastically championing the realization of this visionary work schedule division policy, Latif Usman asserted, “The Jakarta Metro Police is fully committed to seeing this initiative come to fruition.
We firmly believe that, as the primary enforcers of law and order in the city, we play a crucial role in driving positive change and ameliorating the predicament faced by commuters.”
Adding to the discourse surrounding Jakarta’s traffic challenges, the Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub), Syafrin Liputo, shared alarming statistics underscoring the severity of the congestion issue.
Revealing that Jakarta had soared to the 29th position in the global ranking of cities with the highest congestion levels, Syafrin emphasized the urgent need for concerted action.
“Our city’s ranking in terms of traffic congestion has fluctuated significantly over the years, from third to seventh, eleventh, and even thirty-first at one point. However, the latest rankings place us at a worrying 29th position, demanding our utmost attention and concerted efforts to address this pressing issue,” Syafrin expressed, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
While the proposal to split working hours represents an innovative solution to Jakarta’s traffic woes, it is important to note that its implementation is contingent upon further deliberation and decision-making processes.
As stakeholders evaluate the potential implications and fine-tune the details, the fate of Jakarta’s traffic landscape hangs in the balance, awaiting a transformation that promises to shape the future of the city’s commuting experience.
