The Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) has reminded restaurant owners to stop using sidewalks as parking spaces for their customers.
Sidewalks are designated for pedestrian use, and turning them into parking areas violates Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2007 on Public Order.
This reminder came from Satriadi Gunawan, Head of the Jakarta Satpol PP, following numerous public complaints about restaurants occupying sidewalks, which disrupt pedestrian access. In many cases, pedestrians, including visually impaired individuals relying on guiding blocks, are forced to walk on the road due to parked vehicles obstructing sidewalks.
“Restaurant owners must take responsibility by providing adequate parking spaces for their customers. Using sidewalks as parking areas is a clear violation of Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2007,” stated Satriadi on Tuesday (January 21), as reported by jawapos.com.
Since Sunday (January 19, 2025), Satpol PP has disbanded illegal parking activities on sidewalks and conducted patrols to ensure order in affected areas.
Pedestrian Coalition Voices Concerns
In support of Satpol PP’s initiative, the Jakarta Provincial Government has issued a circular urging business owners to address this issue.
This action was taken after protests from the Pedestrian Coalition regarding sidewalks on Jalan Wolter Monginsidi, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, being used as VIP parking spaces by two restaurants: RM Sinar Mandala and Tobak Korean Restaurant.
Worse still, a VIP parking booth was built on the sidewalk in front of these restaurants, further obstructing pedestrian access.
The government urges business owners to comply with regulations and work together to maintain public order and prevent inconveniencing others. Restaurant visitors are also urged not to park their vehicles on sidewalks.
“If this appeal is ignored, the Jakarta Provincial Government and related authorities will take enforcement actions in accordance with applicable laws. And sidewalks parking is not only a violation of Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2007 but also infringes on pedestrians’ rights ” Satriadi emphasized, as reported by suara.com.
Satriadi revealed that his team has prioritized clearing illegal parking in locations that have drawn public attention on social media. Regional officers are also identifying other sidewalks being used as illegal parking spaces.
“Continue coordinating at the sub-district level. Satpol PP officers at the city and sub-district levels must work closely with the transportation department under their respective sub-district heads,” he instructed.
Enforcing Regulations for Public Benefit
Jakarta Deputy Regional Representative Council (DPRD) Vice Chairperson Ima Mahdiah commended Satpol PP’s efforts to encourage restaurant owners to provide proper parking facilities.
However, she stressed the need for stricter and unbiased enforcement of regulations.
“Rules must be enforced without favoritism. Parking regulations shouldn’t apply only to restaurants but also to homeowners,” Ima stated at the DPRD Jakarta building on Tuesday (January 21, 2025), as reported by akurat.jakarta.co.
She emphasized that robust monitoring and enforcement are essential to restoring sidewalks to their intended function for pedestrians.
“Even homes have regulations requiring garages. Strengthening on-site enforcement is key to achieving this goal,” she concluded.
Source: suara.com, jawapos.com, Jakarta.akurat.co
Photo Credit: AntaraNews
