Jakarta Tears Down Long-Stalled Monorail 'Eyesores' to Boost City Aesthetics

After sitting derelict for more than 17 years, the abandoned monorail pylons lining South Jakarta’s HR Rasuna Said thoroughfare are set to be demolished. The Jakarta Public Works Agency confirmed that the removal process will begin during the third week of January 2026.

This is about modernizing the area

Data and Information Center (Pusdatin) Head, Siti Dinarwenny explained that the demolition is a strategic move to reclaim valuable road space that has long been obstructed by the concrete pillars. The project is part of a broader urban revitalization effort aimed at widening lanes and alleviating the chronic traffic gridlock that plagues the Rasuna Said corridor.

"This is about modernizing the area to boost urban aesthetics and pedestrian comfort. It’s a necessary move to address traffic issues and ensure a more efficient transit experience for everyone in Jakarta," she expressed, Friday (1/9).

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The agency announced that a post-demolition redesign will prioritize road and sidewalk improvements. The aim is to boost pedestrian safety and comfort while installing new infrastructure supports. Ultimately, these enhancements are expected to ease congestion and promote eco-friendly transit options for the public.

"We're committed to upgrading our city's infrastructure to ensure it is comfortable and accessible for all residents,” she added.

The now-defunct monorail venture dates back to 2004 but was scrapped in 2008 following various complications. For 18 years, the unfinished concrete pillars have sat abandoned, serving as a prominent urban eyesore along one of the city's busiest corridors.