Jakarta -
The Jakarta MRT project from Lebak Bulus to Serpong, South Tangerang, continues to move forward. The feasibility study for this interconnection route project is targeted to be completed by the end of 2026.
Along with this, there is much speculation about the project's route on social media. One claim mentions the route will pass through Pondok Aren, while other information mentions Pondok Cabe.
Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi ensures his party will not yet disclose the exact route of the project to the public. Because if this information becomes known to the public before project execution, there is potential for land price speculation that would actually disrupt its implementation.
"Usually we won't open it up. Why? Because of land brokers. They will then circulate everywhere. Because if this leaks out, it will affect the cost of land acquisition," said Dudy
According to Dudy, if the route plan is exposed to the public, land prices that should be Rp 1 million per meter would instead rise to Rp 30 million per meter. This condition would certainly cause the initial project cost to skyrocket.
"Then land that was originally Rp 1 million becomes Rp 30 million. In the end, it's the public that suffers, and only brokers benefit," he affirmed.
Dudy believes that route determination is entirely part of the study by investors who will build the project. Because investors will give more consideration to the potential number of passengers and investment efficiency before deciding on the best route.
"They will look from an economic perspective which route is beneficial. Whether to go through Pondok Cabe with still high demand or through Pondok Aren, we don't know yet. Even if it comes out, usually they keep it to themselves so their investment costs don't increase," he said.
Moreover, from the government's perspective, according to him, what is most important is not determining a specific route or path. But rather how mass transportation services can become more extensive and better connected with Jakarta's buffer region.
"But if Sinarmas' route goes through BSD, the final destination is BSD. It's up to them where they want to go. For me, what's important is that the coverage is wider and the connectivity is better," Dudy explained.
Explanation from MRT
For information, according to detikcom records, CEO of PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda) Tuhiyat stated that the Jakarta MRT extension project to South Tangerang is still in the feasibility study (FS) stage.
This feasibility study is being conducted by the private sector, namely Sinarmas which is also the developer of BSD, with a target completion by year-end. However, the completion of this feasibility study does not mean construction can be immediately executed next year.
"The study will only be completed by year-end. Not yet ready," said Tuhiyat when met at the Dukuh Atas area, Central Jakarta, Sunday (21/6/2026).
Tuhiyat explained there are still several stages that must be completed after the study results are released. These include institutional discussions, financial schemes, and the preparation of detailed technical design.
"The study results, they will first meet with us. After the study there are still many institutional and financial matters that need to be detailed, detailed engineering design," explained Tuhiyat.
(igo/hns)
