Muhammad Al Fatih, a member of Commission B of the Jakarta City Council, supports Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's plan to transfer the management of public transportation serving the Seribu Islands, both to the area and between its islands, from the Transportation Agency (Dishub) to Transjakarta, starting next year.

Al Fatih assessed that the policy could enhance the ease, certainty, and efficiency of travel for residents of the Seribu Islands to the Jakarta mainland and vice versa.

"I support the Jakarta Provincial Government's efforts to provide equitable public transportation services for all Jakarta residents, including those in the Seribu Islands. They are entitled to transportation that is safe, affordable, comfortable, and integrated with Jakarta's transportation system," he said, Monday (8/10).

However, he urged that the transfer of management not merely amount to a shift of authority between agencies. In his view, the priority must be improving the quality of service for residents.

Al Fatih also called for a comprehensive assessment of Transjakarta's state of readiness. He noted that maritime transport differs in nature from land transport. Maritime safety, weather conditions, crew competence, maintenance, licensing, and pier readiness must all be ensured.

He reminded that the policy should not place an additional burden on the regional budget (APBD). Consequently, the Jakarta Provincial Government needs to prepare a transparent business plan covering budget requirements, the condition of the vessels, operational and maintenance costs, and the subsidy amount per passenger.

"What we are transferring is not the government's responsibility toward the residents of the Seribu Islands, but rather the management model," he added.

According to him, the Jakarta Provincial Government does not need to operate all the vessels itself. Competent maritime transport operators could be engaged.

Meanwhile, Transjakarta can act as a system integrator by coordinating connectivity, schedules, ticketing, fares, and service standards.

"Most importantly, the boat arrives on time, the fare is affordable, it is safe and comfortable, and they feel treated as equal residents of Jakarta," he emphasized.