PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stop in the Cicadas area, which is located in the middle of the road, has drawn various complaints from the public, especially regarding the potential for traffic jams and the safety aspects of road users.

Responding to this, the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, ensured that the Bandung City Government would continue to monitor and coordinate so that the construction process would not cause long-term disruption to residents.

When met after the activity at Puter Field, Coblong District, Friday (11/9/2026), Farhan admitted that the impact of traffic jams due to the construction of bus stops in the middle of the road had been predicted beforehand.

"That was anticipated. So I'm currently communicating how to minimize congestion so that the work doesn't cause traffic jams," said Farhan.

However, Farhan believes this situation is only temporary. Based on information he has received, the bus stop construction process is expected to be completed in a relatively short time.

"But this is only temporary. The work will be done quickly. According to reports, it will take two weeks at the most, after which it will run smoothly, just like the one on Jalan Jakarta. That one will also be fast, finished in two weeks," he said.

Regarding the design of the bus stop, which is located in the middle of the road without a pedestrian bridge (JPO), Farhan explained that the condition of the road space is a primary consideration. Construction of a JPO is difficult due to the limited width of the road and sidewalk available.

"Why wasn't a pedestrian bridge built? It was too narrow for a pedestrian bridge. So, in the end, they built a road like that," he said.

However, he assured that safety remains a primary concern. The Bandung City Government will continue to monitor the progress of the bus stop construction, including its impact on road users and vulnerable groups.

"We will continue to monitor this, because I don't want any accidents to happen. Furthermore, with the bus stop's raised floor, it will certainly present difficulties for people with disabilities," he said.

Farhan stated that he is intensively coordinating with the central government, including the Ministry of Transportation and Bappenas, to ensure that all technical aspects of the BRT construction are carried out according to standards and do not unduly disrupt community activities.

"That's why I'm constantly going back and forth to Jakarta, to the Ministry of Transportation, to Bappenas, to ensure that this is technically feasible and won't disrupt people's daily lives," he said.

When asked about the possibility of widening the road around the bus stop, Farhan said this option was not possible because supporting infrastructure such as sidewalks had been completed.

"No. Because the sidewalk is already finished," he said.

Farhan also revealed that similar bus stops aren't just being built in Cicadas. In total, there are 28 bus stops located along the main BRT corridor or along the road.

"Don't worry, there are 28 stops in total on the corridor," he said.

According to Farhan, one of the current issues frequently complained about by the public is the lack of information regarding the BRT development. Therefore, he asked the BRT management to increase public awareness campaigns more extensively.

"That's right. That's why I asked the BRT to conduct more extensive outreach to all residents. Because the BRT is the one who knows the technical aspects of the project. I represent the residents," he said.

Farhan believes the public has the right to receive adequate information regarding the construction phases, traffic impacts, and mobility alternatives during the work process.

"We'll keep shouting, 'Sir, what's wrong with this? Why weren't we told? Why weren't we given an alternative?' This is what we're doing to pressure the BRT, providing more outreach, including outreach to parking lots and vendors," he said.

Regarding congestion anticipation, Farhan confirmed that the Bandung City Transportation Agency will implement maximum traffic management during the construction process. He acknowledged that congestion is difficult to avoid when construction is on the road, but its impact will be minimized through traffic engineering and monitoring.

"As for the Transportation Agency, we will manage things in such a way that traffic jams are unavoidable. When there's work on the side of the road or in the middle of the road, there will definitely be traffic jams," he said.

Therefore, traffic management will be carried out from morning to night by placing officers at points that have the potential to cause traffic congestion.

"Arrangements will be made as early as possible and last until last night. Officers will be stationed at every location. I will arrange everything accordingly," he concluded.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)