Jakarta looks different when you see it from above. Slower. More open. And a little more surprising than most people expect. That is the idea behind Open Top Tour from Transjakarta. What was once seen purely as a daily commuter bus has quietly transformed into a way to experience the capital as a sustainable urban tourism destination.
For years, Transjakarta has been the backbone of public transport in Jakarta. Millions rely on it to get to work, school, and home. But beyond its practical role, the system has started to offer something else. A new way to read the city. Not as a rush of traffic and schedules, but as a living urban landscape.
The Open Top Tour reflects that shift. With an open roof and a relaxed pace, the service invites residents and visitors to explore Jakarta without glass barriers or the fatigue of congestion. Passengers are taken through iconic areas, where the city can be seen, felt, and understood more clearly.
According to Transjakarta President Director Welfizon Yuza, the idea came from a desire to showcase Jakarta’s tourism potential, which is often overlooked.
“In Europe, the main tourist destination is always the capital city. But in Indonesia, people still think of Bali. Even though Jakarta has many interesting corners if enjoyed in a different way,” he said during the Reflection Dialogue on 21 Years of Transjakarta at the KPBB Meeting Hall, Skyline Building, Jakarta, on Monday (19/11/2026).
Riding the Open Top Tour is not about ticking destinations off a list. It is about following the rhythm of the city itself. Historic buildings stand beside government offices. Public spaces that usually fade into the background of daily routines suddenly become part of a wider story. The journey weaves these elements together, presenting Jakarta as a complete narrative rather than a series of disconnected places.
This approach also mirrors changes in Transjakarta’s user base. Most passengers today come from Generation Z and millennials. These groups tend to value experiences, especially those tied to urban life and public transportation. For them, travel is not only about reaching a destination. It is about moments and stories that can be shared.
The Open Top Tour also plays a role beyond tourism. It is part of Transjakarta’s non farebox business strategy. The service expands the function of public transportation, positioning it not just as a mobility solution, but as a platform that supports urban tourism and creative experiences.
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Welfizon emphasized that this direction is meant to reshape how people see Transjakarta.
“We want Transjakarta to be seen not only as a bus that takes people to work, but also as a way to enjoy the city,” he said.
There is also a sustainability angle behind the concept. By encouraging tourism through public transportation, Transjakarta promotes a more responsible way to explore the city. Using public service buses helps reduce reliance on private vehicles and contributes to lower emissions.
Now entering its 22nd year, Transjakarta continues to evolve alongside Jakarta and its people. What began as a single corridor has grown into a broader mobility and urban tourism platform. Through the Open Top Tour, Transjakarta shows that public transport can do more than move people. It can change how a city is experienced.
