The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the Japanese government, is working towards achieving inclusive public transportation services for all citizens through the ASEAN-Japan framework. A joint initiative involved on-site evaluations of public transportation services for people with disabilities and the elderly in Indonesia, conducted at the ASEAN MRT Station and Bundaran Hotel Indonesia MRT Station in Jakarta on Tuesday (16/1). The Ministry of Transportation, through the Center for Sustainable Transportation Management (PPTB), partnered with the ASEAN Secretariat as a facilitator for the evaluation activities, engaging experts from Japan. Tri Cahyadi, Head of PPTB, expressed appreciation for Japan's evaluation, emphasizing its enriching contribution to their efforts in creating inclusive transportation services. The evaluation team comprised representatives from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, along with experts and consultants. Tri affirmed the commitment of the Ministry and transportation operators to provide adaptive and empathetic transportation facilities for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, and children.
Various tangible efforts have been undertaken to create friendly transportation for these groups, including the establishment of regulations guiding planning and the provision of transportation facilities. Facilities such as special toilets, guiding blocks, ramps/sloped areas, lactation rooms, children's play areas, dedicated counters, wheelchair provision, special parking spaces, and others have been provided. Regular training is also given to public transportation service personnel to enhance their responsiveness, empathy, and sensitivity towards vulnerable groups. The evaluation focused on Jakarta's MRT Stations, considered comprehensive in facility and accessibility provision for disabled individuals and the elderly. MRT stations in Jakarta offer facilities such as tactile blocks for guiding the visually impaired, priority lifts, wide passenger doors, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Accommodating signage placement, ticket machines accessible to wheelchair users, and Braille information boards further cater to diverse needs. The Japanese expert team will provide feedback on the conducted evaluation. This program exemplifies the commitment of ASEAN countries to continually enhance public transportation accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly.
