LRT Manggarai: Clearing the Air and Ending the Gridlock

Jakarta City Council Commission B Member, Dwi Rio Sambodo has lauded the commitment of Jakpro and the Jakarta government in putting the LRT Phase 1B Manggarai project on the fast track.

Local MSMEs need a leg up

Rio believes that the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) hub—which links up the LRT with the Commuter Line, Airport Rail, and Transjakarta—is a game-changer for creating a modern and efficient intermodal nexus.

He noted that the move is set to ease the city's gridlock while giving Jakarta’s decarbonization efforts a shot in the arm. Further, the full backing of Governor Pramono Anung serves as a strong green light, providing the project with significant political momentum.

LRT Manggarai Station Construction Begins

He emphasized that he will keep the project under the microscope, from the drawing board to the final build. He stressed that achieving seamless connectivity with the Transportation Ministry's (Kemenhub) Manggarai Station is the name of the game.

"A rock-solid technical MoU between the Jakarta government or Jakpro and Kemenhub is essential. We will also push for regular boots-on-the-ground inspections to ensure that transfer distances and passenger comfort are up to scratch," he stated, Tuesday (2/10).

He stressed that transit transfers must be seamless, safe, and ideally within a hop, skip, and a jump (no more than 300 meters). He argued that the TOD project should not leave locals in the lurch, calling for inclusive urban planning that benefits the neighborhood.

To level the playing field, he is advocating for Governor Regulation or Bylaw that mandate space for local entrepreneurs.

"Local MSMEs need a leg up, not just a spot to sell. By offering subsidized rent and professional coaching, we can make sure they are ready for the big leagues and truly benefit from the area's transformation," he explained.

He is calling for an open-book policy regarding the LRT Manggarai project. He believes that involving the community from the get-go is the only way to ensure the area's social character is not lost in the shuffle during modernization.

To boost public transit numbers, he is pushing for a carrot-and-stick approach, offering integrated fare discounts and seamless 'Park and Ride' spots to bridge the gap for car owners. He also emphasized the need for a massive public campaign to drive home the message that public transport is more efficient and eco-friendly.

"Lastly, he reminded developers that crowd control isn't an afterthought—it’s a priority. From integrated CCTV to adequate security personnel, everything must be shipshape.

"We are keeping a close watch to ensure this hub is safe and sound for every Jakartan," he added.

Once the project is up and running, the Commission B plans to conduct regular evaluations. He explained, these assessments will dive deep into the socio-economic footprint on local residents, the take-up rate of intermodal transit, and whether the project truly moves the needle on reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

"The findings from this evaluation will serve as a blueprint for fine-tuning TOD policies at other stations across Jakarta," he concluded.