Pramono Says Jakarta Has ASEAN’s No. 2 Public Transport System

JAKARTA — Daily life for millions of commuters in the capital is set to change significantly after Jakarta was named as having the second-best public transport system in Southeast Asia after Singapore. The news comes as a relief for residents who rely on trains and buses every day to get through traffic. The achievement shows that the mass transit reforms launched in recent years are starting to deliver real results on a wider stage.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced the milestone while inaugurating a new infrastructure project in the city center. On a broader scale, Jakarta also placed eighth in Asia and 17th globally in terms of urban mobility. That leap puts Jakarta alongside major metropolitan cities in the world when it comes to reliable mass transit.

“For the record, Jakarta is now the number two city for public transport in ASEAN after Singapore. Eighth in Asia, 17th in the world,” Pramono said in his remarks at the launch of the Dukuh Atas pedestrian deck project in Central Jakarta.

The achievement did not happen overnight. It is the result of steady investment in interconnected infrastructure. For Jakarta residents, the ranking is not just a number on paper. The direct impact is shorter travel times, lower monthly transport costs, and a more realistic option to leave private vehicles at home.

Six Transit Modes to Be Linked in Dukuh Atas

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s progress is supported by a flagship project in the heart of the city’s business district. The project takes the form of a pedestrian bridge in the Dukuh Atas area. The facility is designed to make movement easier for millions of commuters who transfer there every day.

At first, the interconnection project was only planned to connect four transport modes. But during implementation, the local government decided to expand the plan so the benefit would be felt more broadly by the public. The bold move was taken to build a transit ecosystem with no gaps.

“Earlier, the MRT president director said four modes would be connected. In fact, it is not just four, but six modes that will be connected,” Pramono said, explaining the change in plan.

With the latest development, Dukuh Atas will integrate six transport modes at once:

• MRT Jakarta
• LRT Jabodebek
• LRT Jakarta
• KRL Commuter Line
• Transjakarta
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link

The project also addresses one of Jakarta’s classic transport problems: sectoral ego among operators. By bringing six modes together at one point, that ego is being reduced in favor of passenger convenience.

Seamless Mobility for Passenger Comfort

The pedestrian deck is being built around the concept of seamless mobility. The idea focuses on making it physically easy for passengers to switch from one mode of transport to another. Transfers between modes are being designed to be as short and comfortable as possible.

Pramono said the new infrastructure will be weather-friendly. That means people will no longer need to worry about Jakarta’s sudden weather changes while switching between trains or buses. Physical protection is seen as a crucial element in attracting middle- and upper-income users to public transport.

“This pedestrian facility, with six connected modes, will create seamless mobility. That means people will no longer be exposed to heat, rain, and so on,” Pramono said.

Comfort often determines how residents choose their mode of transport. A covered, clean, and safe pedestrian route away from motor vehicles can offer a transfer experience similar to that of major cities in Europe and East Asia.

Plans for Airport Check-In and Immigration Services

Beyond improving passenger movement, the provincial government is also preparing a blueprint to expand Dukuh Atas’ role. The area is projected to become more than a transit point, turning into an integrated public service hub. The move would mark a major service upgrade not previously seen in Indonesia.

One strategic plan is to provide immigration services and check-in counters for passengers heading to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The idea is expected to increase Airport Rail Link ridership, which has been considered less than optimal because access has been limited.

“I will ask the Jakarta regional apparatus organizations to make this place also serve as an immigration and check-in point. That way, I am sure the airport train will operate more easily and be integrated as a whole,” he said.

If the plan is realized, international and domestic travelers would be able to drop off their luggage directly from the city center. They could then take the Airport Rail Link without having to carry heavy bags around. Similar systems have already been used successfully in Hong Kong and Seoul, and Jakarta is now preparing to adopt that global standard for the convenience of its residents.