Observations from the Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT Trial Run
The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub DKI) conducted a trial run to refine the services of the Kelapa Gading-Manggarai Light Rail Transit (LRT) on Thursday (10/9). Previously, this LRT line only operated from Kelapa Gading Station to Velodrome Station. However, Jakarta LRT now serves the route from Kelapa Gading to Manggarai, spanning 12.2 km and passing through a total of 11 stations.
The journey began at Kelapa Gading Station. During this trial phase, officers assisted with the card tapping process at the gates, which took approximately two seconds. To reach the platform area, trial participants had to navigate several stairs and escalators, as the platforms are located on the third floor of the station.
Upon the arrival of the train, two train sets were observed, each consisting of two carriages. The interior of the carriages was clean and cool, featuring a colour scheme of white, red, and grey, with dedicated poles for cyclists. Notably, there were no overhead racks provided for bags or luggage. While the seats were comfortable, the surface felt somewhat slippery compared to other modes of public transport.
The journey, which commenced at 14:55 WIB, was smooth and stable, without sudden jolts during acceleration or braking. However, a loud grinding noise was audible whenever the LRT navigated curves, most notably on the approach to Boulevard Utara Summarecon Mall Station. This noise was more pronounced than the similar sounds heard on the MRT during turns. Nevertheless, the noise did not significantly disturb passenger comfort as the train slows down during these turns.
During the trial, the train passed through several stations belonging to LRT Phase 1A, including Boulevard Utara Summarecon Mall, Boulevard Selatan, Pulomas, Equestrian, and Velodrome. The train also briefly stopped at Rawamangun Station, a new addition as part of the LRT Phase 1B development. The platform at this station appeared somewhat unfinished, with uneven floor tiling noted.
The journey continued through Pramuka, Matraman, and Proklamasi Stations. At Proklamasi Station, some maintenance work was still visible, including staff repairing glass and dangling cables near the platform. As the train approached Manggarai, the track elevation was noticeably higher, offering a view of the Manggarai KRL Station from above.
The arrival at Manggarai Station was recorded at 15:27 WIB. Excluding the brief stop at Rawamangun, the total travel time from Kelapa Gading to Manggarai was approximately 25 minutes. Inside Manggarai Station, passengers must descend three levels to exit, with somewhat narrow escalators and staircases.
Although the station was originally planned to be inaugurated on 26 August, the ground floor remains largely empty, with no retail kiosks yet established. The Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Budi Awaluddin, stated that preparations for tenants are underway, mentioning that brands such as D’Crepes and Alfamart have already made bookings.
The Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT is currently undergoing several stages of service refinement trials. Budi noted that future trials will involve the general public through invitations and open registration. However, no official launch date has been announced by the Jakarta Provincial Government.
Passengers who participated in the trial expressed mixed views. Daffa Ridwan, a journalist, noted that the LRT is an attractive option for quick mobility to avoid traffic, though he expressed concerns regarding carriage capacity when crowded. Another passenger, Lydia, shared similar concerns regarding the potential for overcrowding in the two-carriage sets, though she praised the smoothness of the ride and the efficiency of the gate system.