The Jakarta administration’s latest attempt to serve pedestrians has elicited a mixed response from the public. It revolves around the decision to take the roof off a footbridge across one of the capital’s major thoroughfares, Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta.

While some people appear excited to take photos and selfies on the now-roofless bridge that connects the pedestrian area in front of Wisma Bumiputera with Astra Tower, others seem less impressed.

The city administration said the roof’s removal was aimed at affording pedestrians a better view from the bridge.

Many, however, have questioned the decision, calling it unnecessary for a public facility that serves more important purposes than gazing at the city.

One of those not happy with the change is Dwika Putra, a private company employee who works at the Indofood Tower, next to Wisma Bumiputera.

“When I first noticed it, my first thought was, ‘what for?’,” the 28-year-old said.

“I’m neither an urban planner nor an architect, but from my point of view as a pedestrian, all I’m looking for in such a bridge is safety and convenience,” he added.

Dwika went on and said he was concerned about the bridge’s previous functions that had gone along with the roof, such as providing cover from sunshine or rain.

Upon seeing the roofless pedestrian bridge, Pedestrian Coalition head Alfred Sitorus said he had grown more sceptical about the city’s claim that it aims to better serve pedestrians.

Although commending city’s efforts to revitalize sidewalks in several areas, Alfred casted doubt on whether the administration understood the concept of providing safer and more comfortable space for pedestrians.

“A pedestrian bridge must be accessible for all people, including children, the elderly and those with disabilities. That’s all. With or without a roof,” he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Alfred went on and mentioned some footbridges in the capital that, in his opinion, were built without taking into account convenience for users.

Pedestrian bridges with billboards for advertisement on their sides, for example, could pose a danger to pedestrians during the rainy season. If the construction was not secure, strong wind would lash the billboards, which could cause the whole bridge to collapse.

He also mentioned a newly built pedestrian bridge over Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta, which is also roofless.

“The bridge stands above an underpass. This creates the impression that the height is twice that of normal bridges. Have they considered pedestrians who are acrophobic?” Alfred asked, referring to the fear of heights.

“Now, if we talk about aesthetics, how come the city built three bridges with roofs alongside other pretty decorations but then removed the roof of another bridge, located also on Jl. Sudirman?” he laughingly added.

Alfred was referring to bridges in front of the Jakarta Police headquarters, the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex and near the Senayan traffic circle.

The three bridges have gained fame for their supposedly "Instagrammable" characteristics, inviting many people to not only use them to cross roads but also for taking pictures.

The city installed black railings to the three aforementioned bridges, as well as colorful lighting, wooden tiles, silver poles and attractive decoration in a bid to beautify the city, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said when officially opening the bridges in February.

The Pedestrian Coalition, however, remained firm in urging the city to create more pelican crossings instead of building pedestrian bridges, Alfred said.

Earlier this week, Jakarta Bina Marga Road Agency head Hari Nugroho said the roof on the bridge over Jl. Sudirman had been removed to enhance pedestrians’ experience, so they could enjoy the view of the capital’s skyline while crossing the bridge.

He also said his agency planned to develop such bridges in the future. “We will expand the surface to 5 meters, while most of the existing ones are only 2-m wide. We will also strengthen the structure,” Hari told journalists
recently.

“There will be elevators, too. We no longer will use overhead lighting; the lamps will be installed on the floor. The view will be even better,” he added.

On his official Instagram account, Anies posted a series of photos of the bridge, and a video showing the experience of walking on the roofless bridge. "Now, the view on the surrounding skyscrapers is clear and can create an enjoyable walking experience to whoever crosses it," he wrote on the caption.

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