Surabaya Mayor asks malls to lower high fences, citing city's safety

Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has requested that mall operators in the city refrain from installing excessively high fences around their properties. Cahyadi stated that Surabaya is a safe city and that such high barriers are unnecessary and detract from the visual appeal of the buildings. He conveyed this message during meetings with several mall managers.

Cahyadi clarified that his request is not for the complete removal of fences but for a reduction in their height. He noted that only a few malls have erected these high fences, and the primary concern is to ensure that the areas around malls remain well-lit and do not project an image of fear among residents. "So, God willing, we will coordinate, what I want is when there is a fence, people walking are brighter, not too high that reflects people feeling scared. Even though the city of Surabaya is safe," Cahyadi said.

“

So, God willing, we will coordinate, what I want is when there is a fence, people walking are brighter, not too high that reflects people feeling scared. Even though the city of Surabaya is safe.

The mayor emphasized that the purpose of these fences is not to anticipate public unrest but to enhance security for visitors. He cited the example of Tunjungan Plaza Mall, where visitors often cross the busy Jalan Basuki Rahmat haphazardly. The fences, he explained, are intended to guide pedestrians to designated crossing points or pedestrian bridges (JPO), thereby improving safety for both mall-goers and drivers. "If people cross right in front, so people jump across. We often warn people not to cross in front of Tunjungan Plaza, because there is already a JPO (Pedestrian Crossing Bridge)," he said.

Cahyadi added that the Surabaya Transportation Agency has installed concrete barriers on Jalan Basuki Rahmat to prevent direct street crossings and encourage the use of JPOs. These barriers are intended to provide a sense of security and convenience for drivers, as plastic barriers can be easily moved and pose a risk. The issue of high fences at malls has recently gained attention on social media, with similar installations observed at malls in Jakarta and other parts of Surabaya.

“

If people cross right in front, so people jump across. We often warn people not to cross in front of Tunjungan Plaza, because there is already a JPO (Pedestrian Crossing Bridge).