The renovation of more sidewalks in Central Jakarta to make them wider and add new features is to cost an estimated Rp 75 billion (US$5.24 million), an official says. 

A total of 10 kilometers of sidewalks are to be revitalized along Jl. Kramat Raya, Jl. Salemba Raya, Jl. Cikini Raya and Jl. Pegangsaan Timur.

Jakarta Bina Marga road agency head Hari Nugraha explained that the revitalization was important as “most sidewalks in the city were not disabled-friendly, [were] uneven and some [were] not connected”.

Hari also mentioned that the widths of the sidewalks would be at least doubled, from a previous 1 to 3 meters to 4 to 7 meters.

He claimed that plans to widen the sidewalks would not cause heavier traffic congestion even if the streets are made narrower.

“These streets at the beginning of the construction had two lanes and after the sidewalks are widened they would still be able to contain two lanes.”

Work to revitalize the sidewalks is to begin in mid-June and is expected to be finished in December.

Guard rails have been installed along stretches of Jl. Cikini Raya to separate the revitalization work from the traffic, according to wartakota.tribunnews.com.

The sidewalks would be equipped with benches, direction signs and even art spots.

On Jl. Kramat Raya, there will be a park and a designated area for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). (bry)