Discourse on Transjabodetabek Fare Increase Deemed Reasonable by Observers

The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to increase fares for several Transjaborkan routes. This move is driven by the significant subsidy burden borne by Jakarta to provide public transport services to surrounding satellite regions.

Transport observer Deddy Herlambang believes that Transjabodetabek fares are due for an adjustment, noting that current rates are too low compared to other public transport options, such as the KRL commuter train. “In my view, adjusting the fares is not an issue as long as they remain competitive with KRL rates,” he stated on Saturday.

Currently, the applicable fare for Transjabodetabek services is Rp 3,500, with a reduced rate of only Rp 2,000 between 05:00 and 07:00. According to the senior researcher from the Institute for Transport Studies (Instran), these rates are too low for services connecting Jakarta with its satellite areas, especially since KRL fares are already higher. “Just imagine, the Bogor-Kota KRL fare is Rp 6,000, yet Transjakarta (Transjabodetabek) is only Rp 3,500? It is far too cheap. Therefore, it must be adjusted,” said Deddy.

However, he noted that any adjustment must consider the public’s ‘ability to pay’ and ‘willingness to pay’ (ATP-WTP). He suggested that a reasonable fare range for Transjabodetabek would be between Rp 4,000 and Rp 6,000, which would remain competitive with the KRL. Deddy believes the adjustment will not significantly impact the return of commuters to private vehicles, as most Transjabodetabek users are workers, many of whom are former KRL users.

Similarly, transport observer Djoko Setijowarno believes an increase is necessary for both Transjabodetabek and Transjakarta services, noting that Transjakarta fares have not been increased for over 20 years. “Similar services in other regions are already above Rp 4,000. Furthermore, Transjakarta already provides free services to 15 specific community groups, so an increase is acceptable,” he said.

An advisor to the Indonesian Transport Community (MTI), Setijowarno emphasised that the Jakarta Provincial Government needs decisiveness regarding this long-standing proposal. “It is not a problem. The public can still afford a fare of, for example, Rp 5,000,” he added.

The Jakarta Provincial Government intends to adjust fares for several Transjabodetabek routes in the near future. The subsidy for 18 Transjabodetabek routes is projected to reach Rp 401 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of the total Rp 4.1 trillion subsidy allocated for Transjakarta services.