Jakarta’s transport map could look very different in the coming years. Quietly, without fanfare, plans are being prepared for new feeder lines, such as a Skytrain, that aim to solve one of the city’s most stubborn problems: how people move every day between homes, jobs, and activity centers.
The government has confirmed that proposals to build a Skytrain as a feeder for the MRT from Lebak Bulus to South Tangerang, along with an LRT extension from Harjamukti to Mekarsari and Cariu in Jonggol, Bogor, have entered the feasibility study stage. These studies are now the main focus, as authorities work to refine the concept before any construction begins.
One key distinction sets the Skytrain apart from the MRT. While MRT projects often require large areas of land and complex land acquisition, the Skytrain is designed to operate on pillar structures similar to existing LRT lines. This approach significantly reduces the need for land clearance and is seen as a practical solution for dense urban and suburban areas.
At this stage, the government is not rushing into physical development. Instead, attention is centered on making sure the concept is solid and appealing to investors. The entire project is being prepared under a public private partnership scheme, with private capital expected to play a central role.
Director General of Transportation Integration and Multimodal Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, Risal Wasal, stressed that technical assessments are the foundation for everything that follows.
“Currently, an FS (feasibility study) is being conducted by a third party. This concept uses a KPBU (Public-Private Partnership) or PPP (Project Public-Private Partnerships) scheme. It does not use government funds, but relies on private investment. What we will need later is how we can help make it easier for them to develop the service,” he said, as quoted from CNBC Indonesia on Monday (5/1/2025).
As the feasibility studies move forward, regulatory issues are also being reviewed. The government has identified several rules that could complicate development if left unchanged. These include regulations related to the use of public and social facilities, particularly when infrastructure pillars are placed in public spaces. Adjusting these rules early is considered essential so investors are not burdened before construction even begins.
Read also: 13.97 Million International Travelers Flood Indonesia, the Highest Since the COVID Era
“Currently, there are several regulations that we have asked to be reviewed. Some of them fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs, related to Ministerial Regulation No. 90 of 2019 concerning public and social facilities, especially in cases where pillars would use such facilities. So at the moment, the feeder lines for the LRT and MRT are undergoing feasibility studies,” Risal said.
Beyond technical and regulatory considerations, the Skytrain is being framed as more than just an additional transport option. The government sees it as a practical answer to everyday mobility challenges, especially for short distance trips that still rely heavily on private cars. By strengthening first mile and last mile connections, the system is expected to make public transport more accessible and affordable.
“The hope is that people can move easily to do their work or run their businesses. Second, we are talking about first mile and last mile connectivity, how we can provide affordable, safe, comfortable, and secure first-mile access for the public. Third, with that, we hope people will shift from private cars to public transportation. The impact we expect from this is reduced congestion and cleaner air,” Risal said.
Improved connectivity is also expected to bring wider economic effects. With easier movement between residential areas and activity centers, regions surrounding Jakarta could see increased productivity and new opportunities. Smoother daily travel is believed to help communities spend less time stuck in traffic and more time on work and business activities.
“Then the economy will circulate because people can move so easily that they are able to improve their individual economic conditions,” he added.
For now, the plans remain on the drawing board. But with feasibility studies underway and regulatory adjustments being prepared, the groundwork is being laid for a new chapter in urban mobility around Jakarta.
