Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered the demolition of one of two pedestrian overpasses in the Rasuna Said area of south Jakarta that had become known on social media as the "Love-Hate Relationship" bridge because of their proximity but lack of connection. Pramono announced the decision after visiting the site on Sunday and consulting with the head of the city's roads office, the mayor of south Jakarta, the transportation authority, and the communications office.
An inspection found both pedestrian overpasses serve the same function as crossing facilities and support access to transportation including the LRT light rail system. However, the overpasses differ significantly in age and design. One was built long ago by the Jakarta provincial government, using what officials said appeared to be 1980s or early 1990s design, while the other is newer and was built by LRT Jabodebek and the state railway in connection with integrated transit infrastructure.
Pramono said the existence of two bridges with identical functions reflected past policy failures. "The leaders did not communicate well with each other, so both of these actually have exactly the same function," he said. The demolition also addresses accessibility issues, as the older bridge lacks an elevator and has significant height differences that prevent people with disabilities from using it effectively, officials said.
Once the original bridge is removed, only one pedestrian overpass will remain in the area. The retained bridge will be improved and better maintained, Pramono said. The demolition is targeted for completion by October 2026 at the latest, though the work must first go through asset management procedures with the provincial asset management office since the bridge is provincial government property. Officials said the demolition will be conducted in a way that minimizes traffic disruption.