An officer is trying out a new parking meter that soon will be implemented throughout Jakarta. TEMPO/Eko Siswono Toyudho

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Vice Governor of Jakarta, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, is planning to install parking meters in shopping centers throughout Jakarta, especially in front of shops along the roads that often created congestion. "At the moment, Kelapa Gading area will be the test site," said Ahok at the City hall, Friday, June 28.

Other projected areas for the parking meter are Pasar Baru, Blok M, Artha Gading and Mayestik market. Ahok stated that the system would prevent regional revenue loss, as he noted that in 2012, Jakarta lost their 70 percent revenue on parking.

If the parking meter has been placed, each driver will have to use their credit cards or e-toll cards during parking. They could pay in cash as well. After paying, they have to enter their parking duration and plate numbers. Technically, the parking meter would manage the parking lot for cars. One machine could only accommodate 15-20 cars only. If the capacity is full, the cars have to be parked somewhere else. "This way, the cars' flow could be managed," said Ahok.

Ahok confirmed that the parking fee would not be cheap either. That way, drivers were encouraged to park inside buildings. The Director of the Indonesian Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, Yoga Adiwinarto, supports the parking meter program. "This system could also encourage people to use public transportation," he said.

SYAILENDRA