The city government of Jakarta has proposed the implementation of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) as a solution to the ongoing issue of traffic congestion, with the goal of reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. This decision comes after recognizing that previous traffic management strategies, such as the 3-in-1 method and the odd-even license plate policy, have not resulted in substantial improvements.
Head of the Jakarta Transportation Office, Syafrin Liputo, has stated that rather than easing traffic congestion, the 3-in-1 and odd-even policies have led to an increase in the number of motorcycles in the city. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows a significant rise in the number of motorcycles in Jakarta, with 16.1 million reported in 2020.
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is not a new concept and has been in place in developed countries like London, Stockholm, Milan, and Singapore since 1998. In Singapore, motorists are charged when passing through ERP gantries during specific hours, with the fee varying based on the type of vehicle. The implementation of ERP involves the installation of In-vehicle Unit (IU) devices in vehicles, which are used for payment through electronic money cards or debit/credit cards.
The Jakarta ERP plan has undergone extensive discussions and legal battles since 2007. Following a lawsuit filed by a telecommunication firm in 2019, the Jakarta Provincial Government ultimately won a Supreme Court appeal in February 2021. Currently, a draft regional regulation (Raperda) on Electronic Traffic Control (PL2SE) is being deliberated at the Jakarta Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda).
The proposed ERP tariff for Jakarta ranges from Rp5 thousand to Rp19 thousand, covering various road sections within the city. Notably, the implementation of ERP includes motorcycles but exempts specific vehicle types and government operational vehicles, following a strict operational schedule from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
With the impending arrival of ERP, the public transport system in Jakarta is expected to accommodate the potential shift from private vehicles. Data from the Jakarta Transportation Office projects an expansion in the fleet and capacity of TransJakarta, MRT, LRT, and the upcoming Greater Jakarta LRT to meet the increasing public mobility.
Despite widespread support for the ERP plan, there have been critics. Djoko Setijowarno, an academician from Soegijapranata Catholic University in Semarang, emphasized the resistance from specific segments of society, citing concerns over the convenience, personal freedom, and social status associated with commuting by private car.
However, with the impending implementation of ERP, the Jakarta Provincial Government is taking a bold step towards sustainable urban mobility and environmental consciousness. It is hoped that this proactive policy will encourage rational decisions in transportation choices and significantly ease the strain of traffic congestion in the city.
As Jakarta embraces this transformative change, the success of ERP hinges on the integration of an efficient public transport infrastructure and the willingness of the populace to adapt to a new era of urban mobility.
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