{"id":6899,"date":"2025-07-09T03:14:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.350.org\/philippines\/?p=6899"},"modified":"2025-07-09T05:54:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T21:54:56","slug":"wayfinding-inclusive-transportation-in-jakarta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.350.org\/philippines\/wayfinding-inclusive-transportation-in-jakarta\/","title":{"rendered":"Wayfinding Inclusive Transportation in Jakarta"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jheny Dabu \/ Ara Alejo<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Jheny Dabu <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

My first flying experience was for an immersion in Jakarta. Alongside Ara Alejo, 350 Pilipinas\u2019 Clean Air Campaigner and Celine Tabinga, Manager for Urban Transition of ICSC, we were warmly welcomed by member organizations of the Clean Mobility Collectives – Southeast Asia (CMCSEA) in Indonesia\u2019s capital city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On our first day, we took on the challenge of exploring Jakarta via public transport. After a festive lunch at Garuda Restaurant near the office of Koalisi Pejalan Kaki (KOPEKA), we walked to the M.H. Thamrin BRT Station, where I got my first glimpse of Jakarta\u2019s walkways. Compared to most of Metro Manila\u2019s sidewalks, Jakarta\u2019s have wider, more even, and feature tactile paving (braille blocks) for the visually impaired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(Sidewalk in front of KOPEKA office, Central Jakarta)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Each BRT station includes information boards featuring the Jakarta Public Transportation Integration Map, which details all BRT, LRT, MRT, and commuter train lines across the city. While the Philippines’ EDSA Carousel bears some resemblance to Jakarta\u2019s BRT system, the latter feels more systematic and integrated with other modes of transportations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(Information Board, M.H. Thamrin BRT Station)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The BRT stations are commuter-friendly, equipped with facilities like restrooms, escalators, food kiosks, and even a prayer room. There are also dedicated bike lanes within the stations, and foldable bikes are allowed on the BRT. My favorite features were the tactile walkways for persons with disabilities and the English translations on key signages.<\/span><\/p>\n

I also noticed staff who reminded me of \u201cbarkers\u201d in the Philippines\u2014but in Jakarta, they\u2019re formalized. They wear uniforms, assist passengers in an orderly manner, and even have designated resting areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

We visited the Selamat Datang Monument, where we took photos and had a brief walk-through of Indonesia\u2019s history. Built to welcome athletes for the 4th Asian Games in 1962, the monument stands at Bundaran HI, an area that transforms into a people\u2019s park every Sunday by closing off access to private vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(Signages at BRT Station)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

From there, we took the MRT to Dukuh Atas. Along the way, members of CMCSEA enthusiastically shared their ongoing campaigns and projects aimed at making public transport more accessible\u2014for instance, their advocacy for clear and inclusive signage in stations and trains and everywhere. One strong feature of the MRT is the presence of a first-aid station.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At Dukuh Atas, we paused for a short break at Toko Kopi TUKU and enjoyed what was, hands down, the best orange-jasmine tea I\u2019ve ever had (grabe haha!). Celine swore it was her favorite coffee spot\u2014and according to our companions, it\u2019s hard to find another caf\u00e9 that can top TUKU. While we enjoyed our refreshments, our companions revealed that there used to be no street signs in the area, but thanks to the works and researches by Forum Diskusi Transportasi Jakarta (FDTJ), directional and street name signages have now been installed, making the area more navigable for pedestrians. FDTJ is also working toward making Dukuh Atas completely car-free and dedicated to people-centered activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(Wayfinding signage at Dukuh Atas)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we passed the commuter train station during rush hour, we saw that\u2014just like in Manila\u2014Jakarta\u2019s public transport hubs can get incredibly crowded. On the other side of Dukuh Atas, we crossed bridges along the Ciliwung River and spotted more bike lanes, once again highlighting the city\u2019s efforts toward improved accessibility and mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(At Ciliwung River)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun went down and at night, we enjoyed the beautiful city life of Jakarta.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On our second day, we visited Nizamia Andalusia School in East Jakarta for the Living In The Smoke: A Generation\u2019s Fight for Clean Air forum, organized by Bicara Udara for the Biru School Alliance\u2014a program that partners with schools to raise awareness about air pollution. I was invited to speak about the Philippine transport situation, sustainable transportation, and what students can do to help reduce air pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(Group photo with students and administrators of Nizamia Andalusia, credits to Bicara Udara)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the most engaging parts of my session was when I opened with a simple question: I asked the students to share their usual mode of transportation to school. This was only my second time speaking in front of students (the first was at TUA), and I was quite nervous\u2014especially because the session had to be delivered in English. But the icebreaker helped ease my nerves and also gave me valuable insight into the students\u2019 daily routines.<\/span><\/p>\n