Observer Says Jabodetabek Public Transport Now on Par with World Cities

A transport observer from Soegijapranata University in Semarang, Djoko Setidjowarno, has stated that public transport in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and electric commuter trains (KRL), is now on par with public transport systems in many cities around the world. “I think Jabodetabek transport, with the KRL and MRT, is already on par with cities worldwide. It is already equal,” Djoko said when contacted on Wednesday. He noted that one of the current challenges is how to encourage the public to shift from private vehicles to public transport. Djoko views the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s strategic transport projects—the expansion of the Jakarta MRT, the Jabodetabek Transport Integration Mode (MITJ) project, and Phase 2 of the LRT from Kelapa Gading to Jakarta International Stadium—as basic necessities for the community. “Because it is a basic need. This is what the community needs. Indeed, our society is being pushed to use public transport,” he said. He suggested that the already impressive development and expansion of transport in DKI Jakarta should receive support from the Central Government. DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung previously stated there are six strategic projects in the region with strong potential to attract follow-up investment from Japan. These projects include the Jakarta MRT Expansion; the Jabodetabek Transport Integration Mode (MITJ) project; the Sunter Intermediate Treatment Facility (ITF); the construction of the NCICD coastal protection seawall on the north coast; the strengthening of the East Pluit Reservoir Pump Polder System; and Phase 2 of the LRT from Kelapa Gading to Jakarta International Stadium. Efforts to increase Japanese investment opportunities in Jakarta’s strategic projects are ongoing. Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, conveyed this during a working visit to Jakarta from 4 to 6 June 2026. Besides meeting with Governor Pramono Anung, Ambassador Kartini also conducted technical discussions and direct inspections of several of Jakarta’s strategic projects. Pramono noted that the sister-province cooperation between Jakarta and Tokyo, active since 1989, is strengthened by the presence of more than 10,000 Japanese citizens working in 1,500 companies in the capital. This visit follows up on Governor Pramono Anung’s trip to Tokyo in late April 2026 and his meeting with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. The underground commercial area of the Jakarta MRT, along with the continuation line from the HI Roundabout to Monas, is targeted for inauguration during the 500th anniversary celebrations of Jakarta on 22 June 2027.