Jakarta’s relentless traffic congestion continues to strain the city’s resources and economy, causing staggering losses of up to IDR 100 trillion every year. The alarming figure reflects the pressing need for more effective solutions to one of the capital’s most persistent challenges.
“Jakarta suffers losses of approximately IDR 100 trillion annually due to traffic congestion,” revealed Brigadier General Bakharuddin, Director of Safety and Security at Korlantas Polri. His statement, quoted from the National Police Public Relations Division, underscores the scale of the problem.
A significant portion of this loss stems from health-related consequences. Air pollution, exacerbated by constant traffic jams, poses serious health risks. Bakharuddin recalled his tenure at the Metro Jaya Regional Police, emphasizing the toll on officers stationed on busy roads.
“Every week, we conduct health checks on traffic officers. The impact on their lungs and kidneys is extraordinary. Some even require dialysis,” he said, illustrating the severe health hazards linked to pollution.
Zulkifli, head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency’s Electronic Road Pricing Unit, echoed similar concerns earlier this year. He detailed the breakdown of losses, attributing IDR 60 trillion to health and lost time, while the remaining IDR 40 trillion is attributed to vehicle operating costs, including wasted fuel and maintenance expenses.
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“The IDR 100 trillion loss comprises IDR 40 trillion from operational expenses, such as fuel and oil, while IDR 60 trillion comes from travel time delays and air pollution,” Zulkifli explained in August 2024.
The congestion crisis also reflects on Jakarta’s global standing. According to international rankings, the city is the 30th most congested in the world, a slight improvement from its 29th position in 2022. Congestion levels remain high at 53%, and the average time wasted in traffic amounts to 117 hours per year. During peak hours, the average speed is a mere 21 km per hour.
Compared to Jakarta, London holds the unenviable title of the most congested city globally. Travelers in the British capital spend an average of 37 minutes and 20 seconds covering just 10 kilometers. Dublin ranks second with 29 minutes and 30 seconds, followed by Toronto at 29 minutes.
Jakarta’s traffic congestion crisis demands urgent and innovative measures, not only to improve mobility but also to mitigate the financial and health-related impacts on the city and its residents.
