MRT Connects Jakarta's Economic Hubs through Placemaking
PT MRT Jakarta is attempting to revitalise Jakarta’s economic hubs using the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Placemaking concept, a spatial planning strategy that transforms areas around stations into public spaces to drive economic activity.
R Samuel Ryan Pradipta, Division Head of Business Planning and Expansion at PT MRT Jakarta, cited the Blok M area as an example; once quiet, it has now developed into a culinary centre for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“In the past, Blok M was not busy, but today it has changed; anyone can feel comfortable visiting, and MSMEs are growing,” he stated in Jakarta on Tuesday (16/9).
He added that with the growth of MSMEs and economic movement, Blok M has now become a meeting point for various communities in Jakarta. MRT Jakarta intends to develop other potential locations that can serve as community hubs across the city.
Currently, MRT Jakarta is conducting studies to determine other suitable TOD areas. The goal is to open up social spaces and stimulate the economy in the vicinity of MRT stations.
According to Samuel, the TOD Placemaking concept focuses on areas that are easily accessible and connected to public transport, making it simple for the public to reach these locations. Through this concept, citizens can utilise the spaces around public transport for social interaction and various activities.
“The presence of TOD Placemaking aims to build a sense of ownership and emotional connection between the community and the area,” he said. MRT Jakarta is also working to revitalise locations that previously appeared aged or dull to make them more attractive to visitors.
Furthermore, the planned operation of the Jakarta LRT on the Manggarai-Kelapa Gading route is set to strengthen the TOD concept in the Summarecon area, integrating residential zones with mass transit. Meanwhile, the Jakarta Provincial Government and REI are collaborating to address a housing backlog of 402,287 households by optimising 29,000 unabsorbed apartment units through TOD schemes.
The government is also encouraging the Summarecon Bekasi TOD to serve as a model for integrated cities, supported by an Rp80 billion extension project for Bekasi Station. The TOD concept, which integrates residential areas with mass transport hubs, continues to be developed by both the government and property developers.