JAKARTA – In a significant move to modernize Jakarta’s public transportation landscape and address the chronic congestion within the city’s central business district, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has announced a major operational shift. Karet Station, a long-standing fixture for commuters in Central Jakarta, has officially ceased its function as a primary boarding and alighting point for the KRL Commuter Line. Instead, these passenger services have been redirected to the adjacent, more modern BNI City Station. This strategic transition is part of a broader infrastructure overhaul aimed at integrating the two facilities into a seamless transit hub. While Karet Station will no longer serve as a platform for entering or exiting trains, it will remain a vital component of the city’s transit network, serving as a dedicated access point, drop-off zone, and pedestrian link to the BNI City complex. Main Facts: A Shift from Legacy Platforms to Modern Hubs The decision to shift passenger operations from Karet to BNI City is driven by three primary factors: passenger safety, capacity management, and urban traffic mitigation. For years, Karet Station has struggled with narrow platforms that posed significant risks during peak hours when thousands of commuters would crowd the limited space. Furthermore, the station’s proximity to a major level crossing (perlintasan sebidang) often resulted in severe traffic gridlock, as the high frequency of trains forced the road gates to remain closed for extended periods. Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, clarified that the move is not a "closure" of Karet Station but rather a "functional optimization." "Stasiun Karet is not being closed. We are repurposing its role to focus on passenger access and integration," Purba stated during a press conference held at BNI City Station on Friday (4/9/2026). "By shifting the boarding and alighting process to BNI City, we are utilizing a facility designed for high-volume traffic, thereby ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for our customers." Key features of this transition include: Operational Migration: All KRL Commuter Line trains on the Cikarang/Lingkar Bekasi line will now handle passengers exclusively at BNI City platforms. Infrastructure Upgrades: The installation of flat and inclined travelators to connect the Karet area with the BNI City platforms. Traffic Management: The creation of a dedicated "Drop Zone" at Karet to prevent ojek online (online taxis) and private vehicles from clogging the main thoroughfares. Pedestrian Focus: Extensive revitalization of the Jalan Kendal side, including canopies and escalators. Chronology: The Roadmap to Full Integration The transformation of the Karet-BNI City corridor is not an overnight event but a meticulously planned phased development. According to KAI, the process is expected to span between one and seven months, with full completion targeted by the end of the 2026 fiscal year. Phase 1: The Initial Shift (September 2026) As of early September 2026, the primary shift of passenger boarding and alighting has commenced. Commuters who previously used Karet are now being redirected via signage and ground staff to BNI City. During this initial month, temporary closures of certain sections of Karet Station are necessary to facilitate the first stage of physical construction. Phase 2: Structural Enhancements (Months 2–4) During this period, heavy construction will focus on the installation of the "modern support facilities." This includes the assembly of the travelator systems and the reinforcement of the pedestrian bridges. KAI has emphasized that while construction is ongoing, they will open completed sections incrementally to minimize disruption to the daily commute. Phase 3: Final Integration and Aesthetic Finishing (Months 5–7) The final stage involves the completion of the pedestrian canopies, the finalization of the ojek online holding areas, and the integration of digital ticketing and information systems across the entire hub. By the end of 2026, coinciding with the capital expenditure (capex) deadline, the corridor is expected to be fully operational as a unified transit-oriented development (TOD) zone. Supporting Data: Rising Volumes and the Necessity of Expansion The impetus for this project is grounded in the staggering growth of Jakarta’s rail commuters. Data from KAI Commuter indicates that the volume of passengers in the Sudirman-Dukuh Atas-Karet triangle has grown by nearly 15% annually over the last three years. Passenger Density and Platform Capacity Karet Station was originally designed for a much lower capacity. Its platforms, which are significantly narrower than those at BNI City, often reached a "critical density" of more than 5 persons per square meter during the afternoon rush hour. In contrast, BNI City Station—originally built to serve the Airport Rail Link—boasts spacious, air-conditioned concourses and wide platforms capable of handling triple the current peak volume of Karet without compromising safety standards. Traffic Impact Study A preliminary traffic study conducted by the Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) highlighted that the level crossing at Karet was a primary "chokepoint" in Central Jakarta. With trains passing every 3 to 5 minutes, the road gates remained closed for up to 40 minutes out of every hour during peak times. By shifting the passenger hub away from the immediate vicinity of the level crossing and creating dedicated drop-off points, KAI aims to reduce local traffic congestion by an estimated 20-25%. Investment and Capital Expenditure The project is funded under KAI’s 2026 investment budget. While specific figures were not disclosed, the "Capex 2026" designation suggests a multi-billion rupiah commitment to modernizing the "First Mile/Last Mile" experience for commuters. The investment covers not just the travelators, but also the "green" revitalization of the surrounding pedestrian environment. Official Responses: Prioritizing Comfort and Safety The transition has drawn responses from various stakeholders, all emphasizing the need for a more humane and efficient transit system in the capital. Anne Purba reiterated that the comfort of the passenger is the paramount concern, particularly regarding the walking distance between the old Karet entrance and the BNI City platforms. "We understand that the distance might be a concern for some. Therefore, we are preparing modern facilities such as flat travelators and inclined travelators for the Karet side. This ensures that even though passengers are walking from the Karet direction to this station, they can do so without fatigue and in total comfort," Purba explained. Furthermore, the management of "informal" transportation is a high priority. "At Karet, we will prepare what we call a dedicated zone for ojek and other feeder modes. This is integrated so that we don’t trigger congestion at the level crossing," she added. Representatives from the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) have cautiously welcomed the move, noting that while the increased walking distance is a trade-off, the improved safety of BNI City’s modern platforms is a significant upgrade over Karet’s aging infrastructure. They have urged KAI to ensure that the travelators are well-maintained, as any breakdown would significantly impact elderly passengers and those with disabilities. Implications: The Future of Jakarta’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) The integration of Karet and BNI City is more than just a logistical shift; it is a blueprint for the future of Jakarta’s urban planning. The move carries several long-term implications for the city: 1. The Realization of the Dukuh Atas Mega-Hub This project solidifies the status of the Dukuh Atas area as the "beating heart" of Jakarta’s public transport. By linking Karet and BNI City, KAI is effectively extending the reach of a massive transit hub that already connects the MRT Jakarta, LRT Jabodebek, TransJakarta, and the Airport Rail Link. This creates a "world-class" transit experience where transfers between different modes of transport are sheltered and mechanized. 2. Pedestrianization and Urban Livability The decision to add canopies, escalators, and improved pedestrian paths along Jalan Kendal signals a shift toward a "walkable city" philosophy. By protecting commuters from Jakarta’s intense heat and frequent tropical downpours, the city encourages more people to abandon private vehicles in favor of the rail network. 3. Mitigation of "Station Overcrowding" Risks By utilizing the underused capacity of BNI City (which was formerly exclusive to airport train passengers), KAI is practicing efficient asset management. This prevents the need for costly and disruptive expansions of the old Karet Station, which is hemmed in by dense urban settlements and high-value real estate. 4. Economic Stimulus for the Karet-Sudirman Corridor Improved accessibility often leads to increased property values. The revitalization of the Karet entrance as a high-end "Drop Zone" and pedestrian plaza is expected to spur small-scale commercial development, such as cafes and convenience stores, catering to the thousands of commuters moving through the corridor daily. 5. Solving the Level Crossing Dilemma For decades, level crossings have been a safety nightmare and a logistical hurdle in Jakarta. While this project does not eliminate the Karet level crossing entirely, it removes the "stationary crowd" factor. Passengers will no longer be waiting or milling about near the tracks, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and allowing for a more fluid movement of trains. Conclusion The transition of passenger services from Karet Station to BNI City marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the KRL Commuter Line. It represents a move away from the makeshift, overcrowded platforms of the past toward a future defined by safety, integration, and modern technology. As the phased construction continues through 2026, the commitment to installing travelators and dedicated pedestrian infrastructure demonstrates a newfound focus on the "user experience" in public transit. For the thousands of daily commuters in Jakarta, the "New Karet-BNI City Hub" promises a journey that is not only faster and safer but significantly more dignified. Post navigation Bank Mega Syariah Strengthens Customer Bonds with Holistic Health Initiatives and Robust 2026 Financial Growth
