Car Free Day this Sunday coincides with International Workers’ Day AKA May Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your weekly sweat on this weekend.
May Day protests in Jakarta in the past involved marches along Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman – the same stretch of road made exclusive for the public to use on Car Free Day to exercise every Sunday from 6am to 10am. To avoid a clash between the two events on Sunday, the police announced that they will direct the workers’ march away from Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman.
“The public doesn’t have to worry. Car Free Day is still on, the [May Day] protest is on, so the two activities can coexist,” said Jakarta Metro Police Deputy Chief Brigadier General Nandang Jumantara, as quoted by Tempo today.
An estimated 50,000 workers from Jabodetabek are expected to partake in May Day activities, starting with marches and protests and eventually ending up at the Gelora Bung Karno in Senayan for live music and celebrations.
Nandang said that more than 16,000 personnel comprising police officers and soldiers will be deployed to ensure security during May Day.
