United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Jakarta Director, Miklos Gaspar, showed his support for public transportation in Jakarta in an unusual way.

On Tuesday morning (6/18), the senior United Nations (PBB) diplomat took the MRT from Cipete to Bundaran HI, then continued the trip by Transjakarta bus with Jakarta Deputy Governor, Rano Karno, to City Hall.

He admitted to being impressed with Rano Karno's commitment to always using public transportation to his office.

"It feels great to see a high-ranking official like him setting an example. He shared about taking the MRT from Lebak Bulus to Bundaran HI, and then switching to a bus," he expressed.

He assessed, the presence of public figures who set a real example could change public perception of public transportation.

"We need more figures like him so that the public sees public transport not as a last resort, but as part of a modern and sustainable lifestyle," he explained.

Despite serving as UNIC Jakarta Director and having access to an official car, Miklos chose  the MRT and Transjakarta for his daily activities. He mentioned, the mass transportation modes in Jakarta are becoming more comfortable and efficient, even for expatriates.

"I believe this is a more environmentally friendly option. And we can meet interesting people too, especially on Transjakarta," he added.

Having lived in Jakarta for three years, the Hungarian diplomat has seen a significant transformation in the public transportation sector during his stay.

"There are many new bus stops, new routes, and the LRT has also started operating since I moved here. This is a significant advancement, not just for the residents of Jakarta, but also globally relevant," he added.

The UN strongly supports the city government's policies that promote public transportation. This is in line with the UN's 11th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which is to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

He highlighted one of the major challenges facing Jakarta, namely the perception among the public that public transportation is synonymous with poverty. He believes that this view is starting to shift.

"Once, if someone had money, they would definitely buy a car. But now more and more people realize that using public transport doesn't mean being poor; it's actually a smart and modern choice," he uttered.

He welcomed the Jakarta Government's policy encouraging civil servants to use public transportation at least once a week. Initiatives like this need to be continually promoted to reduce the use of private vehicles and decrease carbon emissions.

"Jakarta won't progress if everyone relies on private cars. Greater Jakarta is the second largest urban area in the world after Tokyo. It's impossible for 35 million people to use cars," he added.

He also assessed that public transportation creates social connections that private modes do not have. He even shared his experience of reading a printed newspaper on the MRT.

"Suddenly someone greeted me, 'Wow, you're still reading the newspaper? Cool.' Then we chatted. Things like this wouldn't happen if I were sitting in a car. When we sit in a car, we don't meet anyone. But taking the MRT or bus, we can meet people while greeting and even chatting. It makes me feel more connected to this city," he exclaimed.

He emphasized that he was ready to help promote the use of public transportation in Jakarta, both as an individual and as a representative of the PBB.

"If even a foreign diplomat takes public transportation and enjoys it, it means this is not a bad thing but a step in the right direction," he stated.