First in Indonesia! MRT Jakarta Riders Can Now Tap Credit Cards Directly
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has officially launched a ticket payment system for Jakarta MRT using contactless credit cards (EMV Contactless). The innovation, claimed to be the first of its kind in Indonesia, allows passengers to tap in and tap out directly without needing a special electronic money card or topping up a balance beforehand.
DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the service marks an important step in strengthening the transformation of public transport whilst supporting Jakarta’s ambition to become a global city.
“Today we officially launch the ticket payment system using contactless credit cards, known as EMV Contactless, on Jakarta MRT, and this is the first time in Indonesia that credit cards — whether Visa, Mastercard or others in future — can be used,” said Pramono at the launch at Bundaran HI Bank Jakarta MRT Station on Wednesday (29/7).
According to him, ease of payment is one of the service standards for transport in major cities around the world. Similar systems have been implemented in Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Sydney.
He believes the credit card-based payment will also make things easier for foreign tourists visiting Jakarta.
Until now, foreign tourists have had to buy or use a special card to access the MRT.
“Previously, if they wanted to use the MRT they had to use a special card; now with Visa and Mastercard available, they can simply use those directly,” he said.
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), foreign tourist visits to Jakarta reached around 2.5 million people in 2024.
The DKI provincial government hopes the ease of transaction will improve tourist convenience whilst encouraging greater use of public transport.
He also plans to expand the implementation to other transport modes such as Transjakarta and LRT Jakarta so that integrated services become more accessible to the public.
The launch of the service is the result of collaboration between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, Bank Indonesia, PT MRT Jakarta, Bank Mandiri, Mastercard, Visa and several national banks.
The synergy forms part of efforts to accelerate the digitalisation of the payment system whilst expanding transaction options for public transport users.