I

n Jakarta’s plight for decent sidewalks, pedestrians need to fight for their rights. Literally.

Members of Koalisi Pejalan Kaki (Pedestrian Coalition) have a weekly gathering in which they walk along Jakarta’s footpaths and experience all the good and the bad of the capital’s sidewalks.

Four members of the coalition decided to traverse the Central Jakarta area on Friday.

Starting from the iconic Sarinah Building at 3 p.m., they walked from Jl. Sabang to Jl. Kebon Sirih while carrying signboards that read “Sidewalks are for pedestrians,” and “Respect the Rights of Pedestrians.”

They also politely reminded street vendors and vehicles occupying sidewalks the importance of providing a safe space for Jakarta’s pedestrians.

Though small in number, the group continued their journey across the area’s damaged and uneven sidewalks with pride — even despite the negative remarks they received along the way.

“Don’t be a busybody,” someone said. “Don’t bother!” another person declared.

However, these comments were nothing compared to the lashing they received later on in the day. Upon reaching Jl. Kebon Sirih, the coalition members found themselves caught in a clash with two motorcyclists who had been driving on the sidewalk.

“We politely told them to go back onto the main road, but they got angry,” Alfred told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

The incident was filmed and the video went viral on social media.

The motorcyclists were ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers who operated in the area. In the video, one of them could be seen shouting at Alfred, telling him that he had to use the sidewalk because the road was jammed.

But soon, the threats came.

“I’ll kill you. If I bring a knife, I’ll stab you,” the man said.

The other ojek driver suddenly slammed his helmet down and began swearing at the coalition members. The incident, which took place at around 5 p.m., drew quite a crowd as people were just leaving work to go home that day.

The uploaded video also garnered the attention of netizens, who continue to express their support of the coalition members.

Established in 2011, the Pedestrian Coalition has been strolling the capital on foot for the sake of walking, while also raising awareness about walkable footpaths.

Laily Fitria, 36, who joined the walk on Friday, said the incident on Jl. Kebon Sirih was the worst she had experienced during her time with the coalition.

She asserted that she had spoken politely when asking the ojek drivers to refrain from using the sidewalk.

Hot and humid weather, street vendors and even vehicles have discouraged Jakartans from walking even a short distance.

A recent study conducted by Stanford University revealed that Indonesia is the world’s laziest countries in terms of walking.

The study placed Hong Kong at the top of the list, while Indonesia ranks the lowest at 46th position.