T

he trial period for traffic detours at the Kuningan intersection in South Jakarta began Monday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. in a bid to ease severe morning traffic congestion in an area that connects four main thoroughfares in Jakarta, with many motorists complaining of new policy’s ineffectiveness.

During the trial period, which lasts until Friday, eastbound motorists who travel from Semanggi to Pancoran will use the Kuningan overpass. The only exception will be made for Transjakarta buses, due to the location of the Kuningan Barat bus shelter, which is situated just under the overpass.

The Jakarta Transportation Agency and the Jakarta Police deployed dozens of officers to assist motorists during the first day of rerouting. The transportation agency also placed warning signs and traffic cones in the area, yet according to complaints by motorist, more were needed.

Udar Pristono, the head of the transportation agency, said on Monday that the detour was desperately needed because of the overwhelming traffic congestion surrounding the Kuningan intersection during the morning period.

“Every morning, there are too many cars from Jl. MT Haryono and Tegal Parang tollgate heading to Jl. Rasuna Said. The 80-second green light at the intersection hasn’t helped to reduce congestion and traffic queues that can stretch up to 800 meters,” he said.

Under the trial period, motorists from Semanggi are restricted from moving forward at the traffic intersection and to let westbound traffic have extra time during the green light. “Vehicles from Jl. MT Haryono to Jl. Rasuna Said can have up to 120 seconds of green light. We hope this will ease the gridlock at the intersection,” he added. Udar acknowledged that motorists from Semanggi to Pancoran might find the plan confusing, but said that they would get use to the scheme within a few days.

Motorists heading to Pancoran who happen to travel under the overpass will be diverted to the Mampang Prapatan and Tegal Parang flyover. Motorists can also choose to reach Pancoran by turning left on Jl. Rasuna Said, followed by a U-turn at the Casablanca underpass before turning left at the Kuningan intersection.

Yulia Pramita, who rode her motorcycle from Slipi to Tebet, said that she did not mind following the plan. However, she said that there should be more warning signs to direct motorists to use the Kuningan overpass rather than continue traveling underneath the overpass. “I had no idea how the traffic detour would be operating. I used the street underneath the overpass, but apparently should have gone on further.”

Priya Subagja, another motorist who traveled from Pancoran to Setiabudi, said that the plan could have eased traffic congestion if motorists had better known about the detours.

“The traffic was a bit messed up with many motorists from Semanggi confused, ” he said.