New PT KA Policy Paints Wrong Picture

What do you get when you mix art and trains in Jakarta?? As much as I want to say that you'll get a uniquely painted trains, I'm afraid that it's not what happens. Instead, you get unfortunate passengers being sprayed with paint.

In an effort to get passengers off the train roof, PT KA deployed innovative "paint squads" to major city train stations. Their task is to spray roof riders with paint so that they can be easily identified when getting off the train at their destinations. These violators will then be processed by officers, but the fine will only be effective after socialization period.

Does it really solve the problem with roof riders?

Jakarta's inadequate public transportation system is very well-known. We don't have any efficient and comfortable form of transportation, and people just flock to existing ones. Jakarta's commuter train system is no different at all. Commuters from all around the city still use it, many in daily basis, simply because they can't choose. Despite its severe lack of capacity and unreliable service, millions use it everyday to continue their lives. Trains are packed with people like stomachs in all-you-can-eat buffets.

In that condition, hundreds of ticket holders are forced to look for extra space -train roof. They can't wait for the next train, because only God knows when it will come. When it does come, who can guarantee that they'll have some space. They just have to take the train, no matter in which part.

PT KA should really hold a mirror to its own malformed face (my condolences to the mirror). It's their responsibility that commuters get enough train services. They can't blame passengers for riding on the roof because they just don't give enough sevice. If PT KA really wants to get roof riders off the trains, they just have to give them space inside the train cars so that there will be no reason to climb on the roof.