MRT to Monas to be Completed Next Year, Balaraja-Cikarang Construction to Start in 2026

The development of the Jakarta MRT project continues apace to meet the needs of mass transportation in the capital and its surroundings. The government, along with operators, aims to achieve this project in the near future, from completing the next phase to starting a new line connecting the western and eastern regions.

Director General of Rail of the Ministry of Transportation Allan Tandiono revealed that progress on the construction of the MRT North-South Phase 2 is ongoing. This project is a priority as it will expand the MRT service reach to the government centre.

“The MRT North-South Phase 2 to Monas is a target from MRT Jakarta, of course continuously supported by the Jakarta Provincial Government; it will be completed next year to Monas,” said Allan in Jakarta, quoted on Friday (10/4/2026).

The presence of the MRT up to the Monas area is expected to improve transportation connectivity in the city centre. Previously, this area has been one of the points with high mobility, both for government activities and tourism. With the MRT connection, public movement is hoped to become more efficient and integrated.

On the other hand, the government is also beginning to push for the realisation of the long-planned East-West MRT project. This line is touted to become the new backbone of public transportation as it connects supporting areas in the west to the east of Jakarta. This project is part of the major agenda for Jabodetabek transportation development.

“And regarding the East-West, its construction will start this year. East-West from Balaraja-Cikarang.”

Although it has a long coverage, the East-West line construction will not be done all at once. The government chooses to start from segments within Jakarta’s territory first. This approach is taken to ensure the project runs more measurably and provides significant initial impact.

Allan emphasised that initial construction is targeted to start soon. This initial stage will determine the overall project continuity. If it runs according to plan, the East-West MRT will become one of the largest transportation networks in the metropolitan area.

“But the initial stage will start within Jakarta city first, and its construction is targeted to begin this year,” he said.