Discussions on Reviving the Tram in Old Town Jakarta and Its Historical Legacy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Discussions on reviving the tram in Old Town Jakarta have emerged alongside the Jakarta Provincial Government’s preparations to revitalise the historic area. Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno stated that the tram is not only designed as a tourism icon but also as an environmentally friendly transportation solution in the heritage zone. “Indeed, one of the aims is to reduce emissions. We are discussing plans to build a tram within Old Town,” Rano said during the Intimate Dialogue Kota Tua Update event at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday (9/4/2026). This concept forms part of the development of Old Town as a low-emission area, while also enhancing the appeal of history-based tourism. The mode of transport will serve strategic routes, such as Pasar Ikan, Harmoni, and Meester Cornelis (now Jatinegara). A typical horse-drawn tram consisted of two carriages with a capacity of around 40 passengers, pulled by four horses. Additionally, there were other lines connecting Tanah Abang to Jatinegara, strengthening the tram’s function as a carrier of workers and commodities in the trading centre of Batavia. However, the lifespan of horse-drawn trams was relatively short, around 12 years. The long travel burdens quickly fatigued the pulling horses, leading to the system’s abandonment. Steam tram operations lasted longer, about 20 years, before being replaced by more modern technology. On 10 April 1899, electric trams officially began operating in Batavia, marking the most advanced phase in urban transportation systems at the time. Electric trams became the backbone of residents’ mobility for more than half a century.