Jakarta Ties Civil Servant Promotions to Public Transport Use

The Jakarta Provincial Government now mandates all civil servants to commute by public transport every Wednesday or face disqualification from promotion.The new directive, outlined in Governor’s Instruction No. 6 of 2025, took effect on April 30 and mandates weekly compliance from approximately 65,000 staff members, including both full-time and contract employees.

Governor Pramono Anung, who signed the instruction on April 23, made it clear that the policy will be strictly enforced during his leadership term. “For anyone who violates this policy while I’m in charge—for at least the next five years—don’t expect a promotion,” he stated firmly at a public event.

Strict Enforcement Measures in Place

Under the new regulation, civil servants arriving at the office in private vehicles on Wednesdays will be denied parking and barred from entering the premises. They will also be marked absent for the day. On the policy’s first day, roadblocks and traffic cones were deployed at the Jakarta City Hall to restrict private vehicle access.

Officials are expected to provide proof of compliance by sharing selfies of their commute.

Meanwhile, government vehicles are off-limits on Wednesdays, ensuring that staff do not circumvent the policy using state-owned transportation. Exceptions are only granted under special conditions, such as pregnancy.

Governor Pramono emphasised the need for strict compliance, pointing to a case where officials turned away a civil servant in South Jakarta for arriving by car. “Citizens and field officers are firm,” he said. “Those who bring private vehicles are refused entry.”

Positive Response and Impact on Transit Ridership

Despite some criticisms regarding practicality for those living in remote areas, the policy saw an impressive 96% compliance rate on its inaugural day. Public transport usage—especially on the TransJakarta bus network—rose from a daily average of 1.25 million to 1.4 million passengers.

Governor Pramono supported the initiative by taking the bus himself from his official residence to City Hall. He praised the enthusiastic response, noting that many civil servants shared their journeys online and tagged him in posts. “We want this to become not just an order, but a new lifestyle,” he said. Pramono also emphasised that Jakarta’s future lies in public transportation.

Policy Targets Jakarta’s Longstanding Urban Challenges

The weekly commuting rule is part of a broader campaign to address Jakarta’s chronic traffic congestion and hazardous air quality. In 2024, Jakarta ranked seventh on the Global Traffic Scorecard’s list of the most congested cities. The following year, it was also listed among the world’s most polluted urban areas, according to IQAir.

Governor Pramono highlighted that connectivity in the Greater Jakarta public transportation network has now reached 91%. Plans are also underway to offer free rides for civil servants in the near future, easing the transition toward more sustainable commuting habits.

Public Debate and Future Outlook

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, some netizens have raised concerns over the lack of convenient transport options for those commuting from Jakarta’s outskirts. Suggestions such as civil servant carpooling or dedicated shuttle services have emerged as possible enhancements to the policy.

Nevertheless, the governor remains resolute. “This is not about punishing people—it’s about pushing for a change in culture,” he said. “The only way Jakarta can move forward is if public transportation becomes our shared way of life.”

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