Local Governments Urge Malls to Lower Fences, Government Emphasizes City Remains Safe and Open

Local governments are engaging with shopping mall operators to address the recent installation of fences, aiming to maintain security without compromising the city's aesthetic appeal or creating undue public alarm. The core issue is balancing the need for safety with the perception of openness and comfort in urban environments.

In Surabaya, Mayor Eri Cahyadi has specifically requested that mall management refrain from installing excessively high fences. He expressed concern that such structures could alter the city's character and project an image of significant security threats. The city prefers a collaborative approach, accepting the presence of fences for safety functions but advocating for designs that do not instill fear.

Similarly, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, has called for the removal of newly installed fences at malls and office buildings, asserting that the capital's security situation remains stable. In Surabaya, the fences are also being framed as a traffic safety measure. The city explained that barriers were placed to prevent jaywalking in front of malls, particularly along Jalan Basuki Rahmat, which is already equipped with pedestrian bridges.

The Surabaya Transportation Agency has also installed concrete barriers to guide pedestrians to use designated crossing facilities. This traffic engineering approach is seen as a way to enhance safety without creating an impression of a city in a state of emergency. The discussion around these fences has also brought attention to the psychological aspects of urban spaces, with some arguing that overly privatized or enclosed public areas can diminish public comfort.

Conversely, the Indonesian Shopping Mall Management Association (APPBI) views fences as part of area management and a clear demarcation between private and public spaces. The association notes that each mall operator has operational considerations for implementing security systems tailored to their specific location's characteristics.