Jakarta’s Transit Milestone: LRT Jakarta Phase 1B Velodrome-Manggarai Set for Inauguration

JAKARTA – The landscape of Jakarta’s public transportation is on the cusp of a significant transformation. The LRT Jakarta Phase 1B project, connecting the Velodrome in East Jakarta to the strategic transportation hub of Manggarai in South Jakarta, has officially reached 100% construction completion. Scheduled for a tentative inauguration on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the project marks a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to integrate its sprawling transit networks and alleviate chronic traffic congestion.

While the physical infrastructure is ready and operational systems have been tested, the final confirmation of the ribbon-cutting ceremony remains subject to the schedule of President Prabowo Subianto. As the nation grapples with various regional challenges, including natural disasters, the provincial government and project developers are standing by to align the launch with the head of state’s availability.

Main Facts: A New Arterial Connection

The completion of LRT Jakarta Phase 1B represents more than just the addition of tracks; it signifies the completion of a vital corridor that links the residential and commercial hubs of Kelapa Gading and Rawamangun directly to Manggarai. Manggarai is currently being developed as Jakarta’s ultimate "Central Station," serving as the primary interchange for the KRL Commuter Line, Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link, and eventually, the Long-Distance Train services.

Key Highlights of the Project:

Total Route Length: The extension brings the total length of the LRT Jakarta line (Phase 1A + 1B) to approximately 12.2 kilometers.
Station Network: The full corridor now serves 11 strategic stations, facilitating easier transfers for commuters.
Operational Readiness: PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro), the project owner, has confirmed that all technical aspects, including signaling, power, and rolling stock, are fully operational.
Promotional Fare: To encourage a shift in commuting habits, a flat fare of Rp 5,000 will be implemented until October 2026.
Capacity: Each trainset, consisting of two cars, is designed to carry approximately 270 passengers, with high-frequency intervals planned during peak hours.

Muhamad Alfin Rinaldyansyah, VP Corporate Secretary of Jakpro, emphasized that the team is in a state of constant readiness. "As of this morning, Jakpro remains fully ‘on’ to prepare for tomorrow’s inauguration. Regarding the President’s schedule, it is being coordinated directly by the Jakarta Provincial Government’s protocol team with the Palace," Alfin stated on Tuesday (25/8).

Chronology: From Asian Games Legacy to Manggarai Extension

The journey of LRT Jakarta has been one of gradual but strategic expansion. To understand the significance of Phase 1B, one must look at the timeline of the project’s development.

1. The Genesis: Phase 1A (2016–2019)

LRT Jakarta began as a flagship project for the 2018 Asian Games. Phase 1A, spanning 5.8 km from Pegangsaan Dua to Velodrome, was designed to showcase modern transit and serve the sporting venues in East Jakarta. While successful, the route was often criticized for its limited reach, as it did not connect to the broader rail network, requiring passengers to switch to buses to reach the city center.

2. The Planning and Groundbreaking of Phase 1B (2023)

Recognizing that the LRT needed to reach a major hub to be truly effective, the Jakarta Provincial Government prioritized the extension to Manggarai. Groundbreaking for Phase 1B occurred in late 2023. The objective was clear: bridge the gap between the isolated East Jakarta line and the heart of the city’s rail infrastructure.

3. Accelerated Construction (2024–2026)

Despite the complexities of building elevated tracks through some of Jakarta’s most densely populated areas—including the busy corridors of Pemuda, Pramuka, and Matraman—construction proceeded at an accelerated pace. Engineers utilized advanced "long-span" bridge technologies to cross major intersections and existing rail lines without disrupting the city’s flow.

4. Final Completion and Testing (August 2026)

By mid-August 2026, Governor Pramono Anung confirmed that the project had reached 100% completion. Rigorous "Trial Runs" and "Integrated Testing and Commissioning" (ITC) were conducted to ensure that the automation systems and passenger safety protocols met international standards.

Supporting Data: Technical Specifications and Connectivity

The 12.2 km total span of the LRT Jakarta is a marvel of urban engineering. By connecting the Velodrome to Manggarai, the city adds five new stations to the existing six, creating a seamless 11-station journey.

The Station List (North to South):

Pegangsaan Dua (Depot)
Boulevard Utara
Boulevard Selatan
Pulomas
Equestrian
Velodrome (Former Terminus)
Rawamangun (New)
Pramuka BPKP (New)
Pasar Pramuka (New)
Matraman (New)
Manggarai (New Terminal)

Rolling Stock and Capacity

The LRT Jakarta utilizes Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. Each trainset is composed of two cars. While a single trainset carries 270 passengers, the system is designed for "multi-unit" operations, meaning trainsets can be coupled during peak hours to double capacity. The projected daily ridership is expected to jump significantly from the current average of 3,000–5,000 passengers to over 70,000–80,000 once the Manggarai connection is fully integrated.

Economic Accessibility

The decision to implement a flat fare of Rp 5,000 is a calculated move by the Jakarta Provincial Government. By subsidizing the fare through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme until October 2026, the government aims to lower the "barrier to entry" for private vehicle users, making public transit the most cost-effective way to travel into South and Central Jakarta.

Official Responses: Government and Developer Perspectives

The political and administrative weight behind this project is substantial. Governor Pramono Anung has been a vocal proponent of the "Manggarai Connection," viewing it as the missing link in Jakarta’s transit puzzle.

During a site inspection at the Manggarai LRT station on Monday (24/8), Governor Pramono expressed his optimism while acknowledging the President’s heavy workload. "Regarding the inauguration, we have proposed the date of August 26. The timing, of course, follows the schedule of President Prabowo Subianto," the Governor noted.

He further explained that the President is currently overseeing critical national issues, including the management of forest fires in several provinces and the recovery efforts following a significant earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). "We understand the President has many priorities, but this project is a vital gift to the citizens of Jakarta," Pramono added.

From the developer’s side, Jakpro has assured the public that the "Operations and Maintenance" (O&M) teams are ready to begin service the moment the ribbon is cut. "In principle, operations start immediately after the inauguration," said Alfin Rinaldyansyah. This "instant-on" approach is intended to capitalize on the public’s excitement and provide immediate relief to commuters.

Implications: A Shift in Urban Mobility

The opening of LRT Jakarta Phase 1B has far-reaching implications for the city’s future, touching on environmental, economic, and social spheres.

1. Intermodal Integration (The "Manggarai Effect")

For the first time, residents of Kelapa Gading will have a rail-based path to the airport and the central business districts (Sudirman-Thamrin) via a single transfer at Manggarai. This reduces the reliance on TransJakarta buses which, while efficient, are still subject to the vagaries of road traffic. The integration at Manggarai is expected to create a "Transit-Oriented Development" (TOD) zone, where housing, offices, and retail spaces cluster around the station.

2. Traffic Reduction and Environmental Impact

Jakarta consistently ranks among the most congested cities in the world. By providing a reliable, air-conditioned, and punctual alternative to private cars and motorcycles, the LRT is expected to remove thousands of vehicles from the road daily. This shift is crucial for Jakarta’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, which has reached hazardous levels in recent years.

3. Boosting Local Economies

The new stations, particularly around Pasar Pramuka and Matraman, are expected to revitalize local commerce. Increased foot traffic from commuters provides a steady customer base for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located near the station exits.

4. Psychological Shift in Commuting

The flat fare of Rp 5,000 serves as a powerful psychological incentive. In a city where parking fees alone can exceed Rp 10,000 per hour, a five-thousand-rupiah cross-city trip redefines the value proposition of public transport. It positions the LRT not as a luxury or a novelty, but as a primary utility for the working class.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As Jakarta awaits the arrival of President Prabowo Subianto for the official ceremony, the message from the city’s leaders is clear: the infrastructure is ready, the trains are hummed to life, and the vision of a connected Jakarta is becoming a reality.

The completion of Phase 1B is not the end of the journey. Plans are already being discussed for Phase 2, which could see the LRT extend further into South Jakarta or loop back towards North Jakarta, creating a comprehensive rail ring. For now, however, the focus remains on tomorrow. If the inauguration proceeds as planned, August 26, 2026, will be remembered as the day Jakarta finally bridged the gap to its most important transit hub, forever changing the way its citizens move through the metropolis.