Indonesia Advisory

Schoolchildren may have to start their days earlier next year, with the city administration considering rearranging school and office hours to reduce traffic congestion, reported The Jakarta Post.

A new regulation could see schoolchildren commence classes at 6:30 AM. Most schools in Jakarta now start classes at 7:00 AM.

Under the scheme, private offices’ working hours would be determined by zones. Offices located in North and Central Jakarta would start at 7:30 AM, those in West and East Jakarta at 8 AM, and those in South Jakarta at 9 AM.

Working hours for civil servants would remain unchanged at 7:30 AM.

Deputy Governor Prijanto said Friday the proposed regulation is aimed at reducing traffic snarls, cutting fuel consumption and travel times and at the same time “improving quality of life”.

“I will propose the regulation to the governor. If he agrees, the regulation for schoolchildren will take effect on January 1, 2009. As for the offices, we will ask for their cooperation,” he said.

Edie Toet Hendratno, chairman of the Jakarta Transportation Council, said he supported the policy, provided the city administration took precautions to ensure its enforcement.

“The administration should publicize the policy to schoolchildren and office workers at least a month beforehand,” he said.

To reduce congestion, Hendratno said, the administration must monitor schools in elite areas where students often drive their own cars to school.

“The administration should also improve transportation for schoolchildren and get school buses up and running again,” he said.