Manggarai Station, a key hub in the Commuter Line network in Jakarta, has been criticized for its shortcomings, including broken escalators, leaky roofs, and delayed train schedules. Despite these issues, the station remains crucial for commuters from surrounding areas such as Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi who rely on public transportation to get to work in Jakarta. Many of these commuters start their journeys as early as 4 am. They have literally put their lives on hold in Jakarta.

 

 

What are the things that make them keep going? Is Jakarta really a dream city for many people?

Manggarai Station Amidst a Sea of Humanity

As Covid-19 cases declined and restrictions eased, the number of users on Jakarta's Commuter Line rose by 74.66% YoY to 215.05 million in 2022. But as more people have flocked to the train, the Manggarai station has been the most affected by overcrowding, with 125,000-160,000 passengers daily. The 5th switchover policy has exacerbated the situation, where operations continue during train tracks rearrangement and renovation at Manggarai Station. This policy requires passengers from Bogor and Depok to transit at Manggarai station, as a result, Manggarai Station becomes more crowded. Broken escalators and elevators worsen the problem, as passengers continue to pile up.

 

 

Two Stories of Perseverance and Hope

In Jakarta, various people use the Commuter Line. Around 83% or 1.1 million of Commuter Line users are workers, followed by students at 16.8%. Manggarai Station is the busiest Commuter Line Station in Jakarta.

 

 

Jessica (24) commutes 65 km from Bogor to her office on the border of West Jakarta and Tangerang. Despite spending three hours traveling to and from work, she believes working in Jakarta is worth fighting for as the creative job opportunities in Bogor are limited. Her family supported her decision to work in Jakarta, knowing there are bigger opportunities for her in the creative industry. 

 

"They don't mind me working in Jakarta," Jessica said, "If I were to change jobs, I would still look for work in Jakarta because there are greater opportunities to work in the creative industry," she added. "Whenever people want to find anything, they always come to Jakarta. In Jakarta, everything is available."

 

Ananda (24), like Jessica, is willing to endure a long commute to work in Jakarta. Her daily round trip covers 66 km from Tigaraksa to her office in Slipi, West Jakarta with a travel time of 75 minutes, but she prefers taking the Commuter Line compared to private vehicles. Checking the schedules through the app and the affordable fares make it manageable.

 

Ananda has been accustomed to commuting since she went to college in Jakarta. Her mother also commuted to Jakarta by train in the past. "So they don't mind if I have to commute every day until late at night, because my family is already used to commuting too," she added.

 

For Ananda, the low cost of commuting by train makes it more tolerable than renting a room near the office. While the daily journey is tiring, she believes it is still worth it to have access to job opportunities in Jakarta. "Who wants to leave Jakarta after enjoying all the things that are available in Jakarta? There is no reason to leave Jakarta. Jakarta is really priceless,” said Ananda.

 

At the end of the interview, both of them agreed that Jakarta is City of Dreams.

 

Why Commuting in Jakarta Takes So Long: The Culprits Behind the Inefficient Public Transport System

The long commute by public transportation in Jakarta is caused by high population density, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and lack of effective mass transportation.  Population in the Jabodetabek area in 2021 reached 29,1 million people, making the volume of vehicles on the road increasingly dense. 

 

Another factor is Jakarta's roads which can’t accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles. It is important to note that after getting off the Commuter Line, passengers still have to take other public transportation such as buses, taxis, or online motorcycle taxis. With the large volume of vehicles on the road including public transportation and private transportation, the journey becomes longer. The average public transport journey in Jakarta takes 71 minutes, longer than in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur which only take an average of 46-51 minutes.

 

Strategies for a Smooth Commute

Despite its limitations, public transportation continues to be the main choice for many people in Jakarta. While there are several modes of public transport available, the Commuter Line remains a popular choice for many residents of the city. This is largely due to the lower fares compared to other modes of transport, ranging from IDR3,000 to IDR8,000 (around USD 0.2-0.52), as well as the absence of traffic jams. In addition, the KRL Access app allows commuters to check the train's departure schedule, providing a more definite schedule.

 

Every day, millions of Jakarta residents rely on public transportation to get to work. Despite its limitations, the Commuter Line remains a popular choice due to its lower fares, reliable schedule and absence of traffic jams. To make the most of this mode of transportation, commuters can use apps like Moovit and KRL Access to plan their trip in advance and avoid overcrowding. Additionally, commuters should consider departing early and wait for the next train if the current one is already full.

 

Jakarta, The City of Dreams

With all its problems and shortcomings, Jakarta remains a dream city for many people in Indonesia. Jakarta is considered to provide many opportunities, as a business center with high salary standards, so many people are willing to "enjoy" Jakarta's rudimentary public transportation facilities.

 

Is commuting long hours daily for work worth fighting for?