Broken Escalator Causes Queues at Tanah Abang Station This Afternoon

One of the escalators on Platform 1 at Tanah Abang Station in Central Jakarta is out of service for maintenance. Passengers are queuing to use the only operating escalator.

When detikcom visited Tanah Abang Station on Thursday (8 October 2026), an upward escalator on Platform 1 was not working. It is the upward escalator closest to the route to Platforms 5 and 6.

Queues at the escalator have built up, particularly when trains arrive during rush hour. Some commuters have chosen to use the stairs because the escalator queue is so long.

“Yes, it’s more crowded than usual. Normally, when it isn’t broken, things flow smoothly. There are several escalators, but this one is closer and quicker, so many people head this way,” said a passenger, Afifah, 22.

Afifah said she had chosen to queue for the escalator rather than take the stairs. She hoped it would be repaired soon to ease the congestion.

“Maybe it’s because it’s now the evening rush, so people aren’t in a hurry. But in the morning, when people are setting off, more of them would probably choose the stairs. I hope it’s repaired soon so there isn’t such a build-up of people,” she said.

KAI Commuter Line is carrying out maintenance on several escalators on Platform 1. As a result, passengers can use only one side of the escalators, taking turns.