Waskita Karya Accelerates Jakarta LRT Phase 1B Project, Progress at 93.07 Percent

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The construction of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B, connecting Velodrome and Manggarai, is nearing completion. PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk, together with PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro), has begun a series of testing and commissioning (T&C) to ensure the system is ready before it begins serving the public.

One of the stages that has been carried out is the testing of the 3.6-kilometer track connecting the Velodrome Station and the Pramuka Station. The testing includes various aspects of the railway system, from the track, signaling, electricity, and communications to operational integration.

Jakpro’s Director of Operations, Iwan Takwin, said that all stages of testing are being carried out thoroughly to ensure that the operation of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B can run safely and reliably when it begins serving the public.

“Every meter of the elevated track of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B is our responsibility to the people of DKI Jakarta who will rely on the LRT every day. Therefore, this T&C stage must be prepared very carefully,” said Iwan in a written statement in Jakarta, Wednesday (3/6/2026).

Waskita Karya’s Director of Operations II, Paulus Budi Kartiko, said that the construction of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B is a strategic project that demonstrates the company’s ability to carry out complex urban transportation projects.

Paulus explained that Waskita’s scope of work includes the integration of civil construction, rails, systems, and operations. To date, the progress of the IDR 4.1 trillion project has reached 93.07 percent.

“In the construction process, the main challenges we face as contractors include Jakarta’s heavy traffic and limited workspace. Therefore, the solution is to optimize working hours at night, which requires focus and innovation in safety and work systems,” said Paulus.

One of the biggest challenges was the construction of the track that crosses the Wiyoto Wiyono Toll Road. To maintain traffic flow during construction, Waskita implemented the balance cantilever method with a span of up to 120 meters.

Paulus said that construction safety and the safety of road users are the top priorities during the construction process. Various mitigation measures have been implemented, including daily monitoring, periodic surveys, and the installation of safety nets in the construction area.

Thanks to the implementation of the safety system, the balance cantilever project of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B has successfully recorded zero accidents during the construction period.

“The Wiyoto Wiyono crossing is one of the most important icons in the track testing that was carried out some time ago. This success indicates the progress of Indonesian construction, which can combine public transportation modes side by side with existing active routes in the middle of Jakarta’s dense activity,” said Paulus.

Paulus added that coordination between Waskita and Jakpro continues to be strengthened to ensure that all stages of testing run smoothly. The results of the train runs that have been carried out show that the train is able to operate well using full electric power from Velodrome to Pasar Pramuka.

The Jakarta LRT Phase 1B is expected to strengthen connectivity between areas and integrate public transportation in Jakarta. The presence of this electric-based transportation mode is also considered to help reduce congestion and support emission reduction targets.

“We are optimistic that the presence of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B will add to the choice of modern public transportation, make it easier for residents to move around, and encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transportation,” said Paulus.