Rano Karno Plans to Add Trams in Old Town Jakarta

Jakarta’s Deputy Governor Rano Karno has stated that the low emission zone (LEZ) policy in the Old Town will not be halted. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing an environmentally friendly mode of transport, namely trams, in the Old Town of Jakarta.

“Indeed, one of the primary goals is to reduce emissions. There is one format; perhaps our plan is to build trams within the Old Town,” said Rano at the DKI Jakarta City Hall on Thursday (9/4).

He explained that the concept of trams is not new to Jakarta. This mode of transport once operated in the capital in the past, particularly serving routes from the city centre to the port.

“In the past, there were trams from Harmoni to Pasar Baru up to the Old Town. I still remember riding one when I was little. It can actually reduce emissions,” he said.

According to him, the development of trams in the Old Town is currently in the initial planning stage. The DKI Provincial Government emphasises inter-modal integration to ensure the transportation system runs effectively, including with the Jakarta MRT network that will also pass through the area.

“This is being prepared, but it must be designed together with the MRT, because that area will also become an MRT route,” he stated.

The Old Town area itself was previously designated as a low emission zone during the era of Governor Anies Baswedan.

The policy began being trialled in 2021 with restrictions on fossil fuel-powered motor vehicles on several road sections, such as Jalan Kali Besar Barat and Timur.

The LEZ programme aims to suppress air pollution while restoring the function of the heritage area as a pedestrian-friendly public space.

In its implementation, only certain vehicles such as bicycles, electric vehicles, and environmentally friendly public transport are permitted to pass through.