Jakarta Expands Car-Free Zones with Successful Debut at Jalan HR Rasuna Said
Residents of Jakarta turned out in large numbers on Sunday, May 10, 2026, for the inaugural Car Free Day (CFD) event on Jalan HR Rasuna Said in South Jakarta. The initiative, known locally as Hari Bebas Kendaraan Bermotor (HBKB), saw a surge of participants that exceeded official expectations.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung expressed surprise at the enthusiastic public reception, noting that the first implementation of the program at this location proceeded smoothly. The expansion of the car-free zone underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to promote public health and create more accessible urban spaces for recreation.
The atmosphere along the thoroughfare was vibrant, with crowds beginning to gather before 6:00 a.m. On the eastern side of the street, specifically in front of Plaza Festival, large groups participated in rhythmic gymnastics. Meanwhile, the western section of the zone remained more tranquil, utilized primarily by joggers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The event attracted visitors from beyond the city limits. Rizka, a 45-year-old resident of Bekasi, arrived at the site by 7:00 a.m. After learning about the event through social media and friends. “I came from Bekasi,” she said, adding that her goals for the day were to exercise and explore the local culinary offerings in the area.
To facilitate the event and ensure smooth transit, the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) implemented specific traffic engineering measures across the affected areas. This strategic planning was essential to manage the flow of vehicles around the newly pedestrianized zone.
City officials clarified that the introduction of the Rasuna Said car-free zone is an addition to the city’s existing programs and does not replace the established Car Free Day activities on Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin.
