MRT Jakarta readies five major changes for Blok M Ultimate Phase
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
At Blok M Hub, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung launched the new design concept for the Blok M Ultimate Phase. MRT Jakarta President Director Tuhiyat highlighted five major transformations planned to turn the Blok M–Sisingamangaraja area into an active, inclusive, and livable city hub.
We want to transform Blok M and Sisingamangaraja into an active, inclusive, and walkable urban hub
According to Tuhiyat, the Blok M Ultimate Phase focuses on five main transformations:
• Terminal Modernization: Revamping the bus terminal into a modern, fully integrated transit hub.
PT MRT Jakarta Keeps Expanding New TOD Areas• Mixed-Use Development: Creating an accessible, inclusive, and dynamic urban precinct across Blok M–Sisingamangaraja.
• Multimodal Connectivity: Strengthening seamless intermodal connectivity, particularly for pedestrians.
• New Commercial Hub: Developing retail, lifestyle, and food and beverage (F&B) destinations.
• Public Open Spaces: Providing safer and more inviting public green areas for community engagement.
With around 25,000 people visiting the Blok M Hub every single day, he highlighted the surging need for safe, welcoming public spaces.
That heavy footfall drove MRT Jakarta to rethink the area’s master plan, ensuring it caters to daily commuters while enhancing its vibrant atmosphere.
“We want to transform Blok M and Sisingamangaraja into an active, inclusive, and walkable urban hub for the capital,” he explained, Wednesday (10/7).
Tuhiyat went on to say that the project will roll out in multiple stages. Phase one focuses on upgrading the bus terminal and commercial retail hub by 2029, paving the way for mixed-use commercial towers in the following phase.
“This redevelopment won't draw from taxpayer funds in the city budget. Instead, MRT Jakarta is leveraging non-budgetary creative financing and teaming up with private strategic partners,” he continued.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung earlier welcomed the project, but cautioned that modernizing Blok M must not erase the area's unique spirit as a beloved urban cultural hub.
He emphasized that Blok M should stay a buzzing, lively melting pot—a space where workspaces, youth culture, creative collaborations, and new urban trends flourish without sacrificing its cultural, economic, and commercial roots.
He believes this project will set the benchmark for transit-oriented developments (TOD) in other areas as Jakarta continues to develop its mass transit network.