Old Town Revitalised, Public Transportation Access Optimised

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing significant steps to revitalise the Old Town area, focusing on strengthening the transportation sector. The presence of mass transportation modes is believed to be the main factor that will change the face of this historic district. DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the most significant change will come from the construction of the Jakarta MRT, targeted to reach Old Town in 2029. This project is seen as a game changer in improving the area’s accessibility. According to him, the MRT development is not just about adding transportation networks but will also be integrated with the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) concept. With this approach, the mobility of the public and tourists to Old Town is expected to become easier and more efficient. In addition to the MRT, the DKI Provincial Government is collaborating with PT KAI to reactivate a non-electric rail line that will be converted into KRL. This route is planned to span about 16 to 28 kilometres, connecting Old Town to Tanjung Priok, passing through the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) area. Pramono explained that the operation of this line will expand public transportation options, especially in North Jakarta, which has previously been limited. “Hopefully this year it can be completed, more or less using the old track but made electric, which was previously never utilised passing through Old Town, then to Tanjung Priok, via JIS,” he said. Not only that, the KRL service to JIS is also targeted to start operating soon. The government hopes this line will become a momentum for Jakarta’s anniversary celebrations while facilitating public access to the stadium. “In May this year, hopefully the KRL for JIS will also be completed,” Pramono stated. Besides transportation improvements, the DKI Provincial Government will also prepare supporting facilities such as areas for SMEs, organising street vendors, and building parking pockets. To ensure the project runs optimally, the revitalisation team will start working directly in the Old Town area soon. “Insya Allah at the right time, I myself as the person in charge will work from Old Town,” said DKI Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno.