If you ask anybody who’s been to Jakarta, he would most likely say that one of his unforgettable (or maybe forgettable) experience in this city is the heavy traffic. On a typical day, frustrated people get stuck in Jakarta’s infamous macet (traffic jam) praying to high heavens that they make it to their appointments, or that their bladders won’t explode in transit, or that they won’t choke on the fumes from the vehicles.
But once a week, the main thoroughfare transforms into a people-friendly zone and virtually becomes a park of sorts. Every Sunday, from 6:00-11:00 AM, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin are closed to private and public vehicles (except for the TransJakarta). Jalan Sudirman is Jakarta’s counterpart to our Manila’s EDSA so imagine that whole stretch being closed to traffic, what a bliss! What started as a once-a-month environmental drive in 2007 garnered support and encouragement from the public that it became a regular Sunday pollution reduction program in 2012.
And because Jl. Sudirman is a stone’s throw away from our building, it has become our family’s Sunday morning exercise to run/walk/bike along Jakarta’s busiest street. So if you happen to be in the city on a Sunday, enjoy a short escape from the bustling macet and head on to Jl. Sudirman for a morning of fitness, fun, food, and people watching.
Sharing with you some car-free Sunday scenes below…

The TransJakarta (bus rapid transit) is the only motorized vehicle allowed in Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin.
Car-free Sundays are perfect recreational time for family and friends.
Also a preferred day and venue for various programs, promotions and causes…
Don’t worry about getting hungry and thirsty along the way ’cause you won’t.
If you’re lucky, you’ll chance upon some free sampling treats for freeloaders like me hehe…
“A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content.”
Happy Sunday everyone!!!