Public Etiquette in Indonesian Public Transportation: Understanding Unwritten Rules

The TransJakarta Incident and Its Implications

A recent viral video showing a dispute between a young woman and an older woman over seating on a TransJakarta bus has brought attention to the unwritten rules governing behavior in public transportation. The incident, where the younger passenger refused to give up her seat to an older woman, sparked widespread discussion about public etiquette and social norms in Indonesia.

Expert Perspectives on Public Civility

Trubus Rahadiansyah, a public policy observer from Trisakti University, emphasized that giving up seats to elderly passengers is considered a matter of public civility. He stated that while there are designated priority seats, the etiquette extends beyond these zones. 'Even when priority seats are full, elderly passengers should still be given consideration,' Trubus explained. This perspective is shared by Deddy Herlambang, a senior researcher at Instran, who noted that while there are no formal regulations governing seating arrangements, social norms dictate that younger passengers should yield to their elders.

The Role of Social Awareness

The experts agree that maintaining harmony in public transportation requires a high level of social awareness and voluntary courtesy. Trubus described this as 'public civility' - an unwritten code of conduct that is essential for the smooth functioning of public services. The lack of formal regulation doesn't diminish the importance of these social norms; rather, it highlights the need for continued public education and awareness about appropriate behavior in shared spaces.

Challenges and Considerations

While the incident sparked debate, it also revealed the challenges in balancing personal rights with social expectations. The younger passenger in the viral video argued that she wasn't in a priority zone and was feeling unwell, while the older woman felt she was entitled to the seat as an elderly passenger. This conflict underscores the complexity of enforcing unwritten social rules in diverse urban environments like Jakarta.

Conclusion

The TransJakarta seating dispute serves as a microcosm of broader societal discussions about public etiquette and social responsibility. As Indonesian cities continue to develop their public transportation systems, understanding and promoting these unwritten rules will be crucial in creating more harmonious and considerate public spaces.