To Tackle TB Simatupang Congestion, Cipete Toll Exit to Be Temporarily Closed

KatadataOTO – The DKI Jakarta government has found several solutions to address the congestion on TB Simatupang road. One of them is to temporarily close the Cipete – Pondok Labu toll exit.

The idea was initiated by the provincial government and is planned to be submitted to the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) through an official letter. It is hoped that this will slightly reduce the recent traffic congestion.

“There is indeed a bottleneck there because as soon as vehicles exit the toll, they immediately cross towards Fatmawati. There are only two lanes left, plus there is work on the PAL project, so the queue is long,” said Syafrin Liputo, Head of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, as reported by Antara (22/08).

However, he revealed that the closure would only be implemented during peak hours, such as in the afternoon. The mechanism will be discussed with BPJT to avoid disrupting residents' mobility.

Photo : TMC Polda Metro Jaya

However, if this is implemented, vehicles will only be able to exit at the Lebak Bulus toll gate. After that, road users will have to make a U-turn and head to their destination.

Not just the toll exit, several Transportation Agencies along with the Satpol PP and related institutions are continuously implementing traffic engineering. Thus, it is hoped that congestion on that road segment can be minimized.

Previously, it was reported that Pramono Anung, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, passed through TB Simatupang without an escort. In his observation, the congestion was caused by a National Strategic Project (PSN).

“The PSN is a central government project, and the complaints have been prolonged,” said Pramono on the official website of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov), Wednesday (20/08).

He has also instructed the Bina Marga Agency, the Transportation Agency, and the Satpol PP to handle it seriously.

“First, I asked for the construction sheds to be made smaller. Not like now, where some are very large,” continued Pramono Anung.

Photo : Courtesy

Pramono revealed that many excavators and other equipment were found around the excavation site. According to him, this condition severely disrupts traffic flow, forcing two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles to share the road.

He also highlighted the large number of informal traffic controllers ('pak ogah') who also direct traffic, worsening the situation.