KAI Denies Closure of Karet Station, States Integration Process is Underway
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has firmly denied the decision to close Karet Station. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, emphasised that the station remains a vital part of the railway service system, particularly in supporting integration with Sudirman Baru Station, also known as Basting City.
“In 81 years of KAI’s history, we have never closed a station. Therefore, I strongly reject the phrasing that Karet Station is being closed,” said Anne during a press conference at BNI City Station, Jakarta, on Friday (4/9/2026).
Anne explained that the company is currently undergoing a service integration process between Karet Station and BNI City to accommodate the steadily increasing volume of passengers. She noted that infrastructure adjustments are necessary at Karet Station due to limited land and platform length.
“Karet’s platform is short and close to a level crossing. Our investments, which began two years ago and will continue for the KRL (Commuter Line), are all focused on the SF12 formation. Therefore, we must prepare the infrastructure and facilities now,” Anne said.
Although passenger services for the KRL are being diverted to the platforms at BNI City Station to ensure safety and comfort, Anne stated that Karet Station continues to function as a primary access gateway for the public. She added that KAI is currently reorganising the area to make it more pedestrian-friendly and better integrated with other modes of transport without causing congestion.
“Karet Station remains active in serving the KRL lines. We are also preparing Karet to serve as a passenger access gateway. So, it is not being closed,” Anne asserted.
As part of the development plan, Anne continued, KAI will prepare modern supporting facilities to connect Karet Station with BNI City. These facilities will include both flat and inclined travelators, as well as the reorganising of drop-off zones for motorcycle taxis (ojek) and other intermodal transport.
“So, even if we walk from the direction of Karet towards this station, we can still provide comfort to our customers,” she added.
Anne noted that the closure of certain entry and exit points at Karet Station is temporary as the reconfiguration process is underway. Regarding the duration of the works, she mentioned that the process will be carried out in stages.
“It will be done gradually; once parts are completed, they will be reopened in stages, with the process expected to be finalised within the next one to seven months,” Anne said.
She assessed that this step is part of KAI’s commitment to improving urban transport services. In addition to Karet Station, Anne mentioned that KAI is also undertaking major improvements at other high-transit stations, such as Manggarai, Cawang, Duri, and Tanah Abang.
“Our efforts to improve the integration of Karet Station with Sudirman Baru or BNI City can be achieved. We recognise that the growth of our customers for intra-city transport must be managed effectively for the next 10 to 20 years,” concluded Anne.