Jakarta considers expanding Car Free Day to Saturdays

The Jakarta Provincial Government is reviewing a proposal to expand Car Free Day (CFD) to include Saturdays. To evaluate the impact on weekend activities and office operations, officials plan to hold focus group discussions involving experts, academics, and economic stakeholders.

The proposal follows a suggestion from the Minister of Environment to hold the event twice a week. While Governor Pramono Anung noted the policy is still under internal discussion, the Jakarta Transportation Agency emphasized that CFD aligns with 'avoid, shift, and improve' principles of transport demand management.

The Committee for the Elimination of Leaded Gasoline (KPBB) supports the initiative, stating that CFD is a tool for urban transportation transformation rather than just a weekly recreation. KPBB Executive Director Safrudin noted that such measures help reduce dependence on private vehicles, mitigate traffic congestion, and lower air pollution and energy consumption.