JAKARTA – Bundaran HI, the iconic pulse of Indonesia’s capital, is a space in constant motion. At the surface level, it is a whirlwind of activity where millions of footsteps intersect daily—commuters rushing to catch the MRT, pedestrians navigating the heat of the tropical sun, and vehicles circling the historic Welcome Monument. For decades, this has been the heart of Jakarta’s "above-ground" identity. However, a profound transformation is currently underway beneath the asphalt of Jalan MH Thamrin. As Jakarta strives to evolve into a competitive global city, it is no longer just growing upward into the skyline; it is expanding downward. The "Extended Concourse" project at the Bundaran HI MRT Station represents a paradigm shift in urban planning. This ambitious subterranean development is designed to transform a mere transit node into a multi-functional ecosystem, merging transportation, retail, and luxury hospitality into a seamless underground network. Main Facts: A 4,439-Square-Meter Multi-Functional Hub The Extended Concourse is not a typical station expansion. It is a strategic development led by PT Integrasi Transit Jakarta (ITJ), a subsidiary of PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda). The project encompasses a vast area of 4,439 square meters, meticulously designed to serve more than just the logistical needs of commuters. Beyond Transit: The One-Stop Destination Unlike the initial design of MRT Phase 1 stations, which focused on a "grab-and-go" efficiency, the Bundaran HI Extended Concourse is built to encourage "dwelling time." The objective is to transition from a transit-oriented space to a lifestyle destination. Key features of the project include: 24 Multi-functional Zones: These areas are designated for a variety of uses, including high-end retail, Food and Beverage (F&B) outlets, and lifestyle services. Seamless Connectivity: The concourse acts as a subterranean bridge connecting the MRT station directly to Jakarta’s most prestigious landmarks. Climate-Controlled Mobility: By moving pedestrian traffic underground, the project offers a solution to Jakarta’s notorious humidity and unpredictable heavy rains, providing a comfortable, air-conditioned environment for walking. The Investment and Funding Model The realization of this massive underground space requires significant capital. PT ITJ has earmarked an investment of approximately IDR 200 billion. Interestingly, the funding for this project does not rely solely on the city’s direct budget. Instead, it utilizes the Building Floor Coefficient (Koefisien Lantai Bangunan or KLB) compensation scheme. This innovative financing model allows the city to leverage private sector contributions from developers who wish to exceed standard building density limits, redirecting those funds into public infrastructure and transit-oriented development (TOD). Chronology: From a Terminal Station to a Central Nexus The journey toward the Extended Concourse began with the inauguration of MRT Jakarta Phase 1 in 2019. At that time, Bundaran HI served as the northern terminus of the Lebak Bulus-Bundaran HI line. Phase 1: The Foundation (2019–2023) In its early years, the Bundaran HI station functioned primarily as a point of arrival and departure. While it saw high traffic, the surrounding buildings remained isolated from the station’s underground level. Pedestrians had to exit to the surface and cross busy intersections to reach destinations like Plaza Indonesia or Grand Indonesia. Phase 2: The Expansion and Connectivity Shift (2024–Present) As construction for MRT Phase 2 (extending from Bundaran HI to Kota) commenced, urban planners recognized the need to maximize the underground footprint. The realization was clear: as the MRT line grows longer, the "load" on the Bundaran HI hub increases. In 2024 and 2025, the focus shifted from merely laying tracks to "activating" the space around the tracks. PT ITJ was tasked with developing the Extended Concourse to bridge the gap between the station and the private sector. The project entered a critical phase where "knockdown panels" were integrated into the station walls—pre-engineered sections that can be removed to create direct tunnels into the basements of surrounding skyscrapers. Future Outlook (2026 and Beyond) By late 2026, the Extended Concourse is expected to be fully operational as a commercial and transit hub. This timeline coincides with the projected increase in passenger volume as the MRT North-South line extends further toward Monas and Thamrin. Supporting Data: Projecting the Human Flow The necessity of the Extended Concourse is backed by rigorous data regarding passenger growth and urban density. Currently, the Bundaran HI MRT Station serves an average of 11,000 passengers per day. However, this number is a baseline that is expected to surge significantly. Passenger Projections With the operationalization of the MRT extension toward Thamrin and Monas, PT MRT Jakarta projects an additional 6,000 passengers per day flowing into the Bundaran HI area. This 54% increase in foot traffic necessitates a larger physical space to prevent congestion and to ensure a safe flow of people. Economic Footprint The 4,439-square-meter space is strategically divided to maximize economic output: Retail Density: The 24 multi-functional areas are designed to cater to a diverse demographic, from office workers looking for a quick lunch to tourists visiting the city center. The "Four Hotel" Network: The grand vision for the concourse includes connecting four of Jakarta’s most iconic luxury hotels: The Grand Hyatt, Hotel Pullman, Mandarin Oriental, and Hotel Kempinski. This creates a "Luxury Underground Circuit" unparalleled in Southeast Asia. Official Responses: A Vision for Integrated Transit The leadership at PT ITJ and PT MRT Jakarta views the Extended Concourse as a cornerstone of Jakarta’s future as a "Global City." Yulham Ferdiansyah Roestam, President Director of PT Integrasi Transit Jakarta (ITJ), emphasized that the project is about changing the philosophy of urban movement. "The Extended Concourse must be able to transform transit space into multi-functional space to serve people on the move," Roestam stated during a briefing at the PT MRT Jakarta office. He further explained the technical readiness of the project, noting that the infrastructure is designed to be "future-proof." By using knockdown panels, the MRT station is essentially "inviting" neighboring buildings to connect. "When the building owners are ready, they build their side, we drop the panels, and the connection is instant," Roestam added. This collaborative approach reduces construction friction and encourages private-sector participation in urban integration. Official statements from the Jakarta Provincial Government also highlight that this project aligns with the broader Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) master plan. The goal is to reduce reliance on private vehicles by making the transition between the MRT, TransJakarta buses, and final destinations as frictionless as possible. Implications: Jakarta’s New Urban Identity The completion of the Bundaran HI Extended Concourse carries profound implications for the city’s social, economic, and architectural landscape. 1. The Death of the "Last Mile" Barrier For many Jakartans, the "last mile"—the distance between a transit station and the final destination—is the most deterrent factor in using public transport. The extreme heat and lack of sidewalk continuity often drive people back to ride-hailing services or private cars. By creating an underground network that leads directly into malls and office lobbies, the Extended Concourse effectively eliminates the "last mile" discomfort in the city’s most critical business district. 2. A Shift in Consumer Behavior The transition from a "grab-and-go" model to a "one-stop shopping" destination signifies a change in how Jakartans will interact with their city. The concourse is designed to be a place where people meet for coffee, browse retail stores, or handle errands before even reaching the street level. This "subterranean lifestyle" mirrors successful urban models in cities like Tokyo, Montreal, and Singapore. 3. Boosting Real Estate and Commercial Value Properties with direct underground access to the MRT are seeing a significant appreciation in value. For landmarks like Plaza Indonesia and Wisma Nusantara, the concourse provides a steady stream of "captive" foot traffic—thousands of potential customers delivered directly to their doorsteps every hour. 4. Environmental and Psychological Benefits By moving a significant portion of pedestrian traffic underground, the project reduces surface-level congestion. Psychologically, providing a clean, safe, and modern environment for commuting helps reduce the stress associated with navigating Jakarta’s traffic. It fosters a sense of pride in the city’s infrastructure, signaling that Jakarta is capable of world-class engineering and urban design. 5. Financing Public Good through Private Growth The use of KLB funds sets a precedent for how Jakarta can fund its future. As the city faces budget constraints, the ability to turn "building rights" into "public infrastructure" is a vital tool for sustainable development. Conclusion The Extended Concourse at Bundaran HI is more than just a construction project; it is a testament to Jakarta’s ambition. By reclaiming the space beneath the streets, the city is creating a new layer of urban life—one that is sheltered, efficient, and economically vibrant. As the "knockdown panels" eventually fall and the tunnels open, the heart of Jakarta will beat not just on its streets, but deep within its foundation, moving the city toward a more integrated and global future. 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