The Future of Jakarta's Public Transport in 2020: Challenges and Opportunities

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, is planning to implement advanced public transportation systems in 2020. These include the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and the high-speed train connecting Jakarta and Bandung. However, as these systems are about to be operational, the city faces significant challenges related to infrastructure, urbanisation, and public safety.

Current State of Jakarta's Public Transport

As of now, Trans Jakarta and KRL operate as usual. The LRT and MRT are already in service, and their extended phases are slated to begin. The Airport Railink (RAR) is also now extended to Bekasi and integrates with regular train services between Jakarta and Bandung (BDG).

Expected Developments in 2020

In 2020, further expansions and improvements in public transport are expected. New facilities such as LRT and MRT extensions should be operational, providing a more comfortable experience in the short term. However, as with any new development, the real challenges will soon arise. The ongoing cycle of uncontrolled urbanisation will place immense pressure on these new infrastructure projects.

The Lighthouse Mentality and Urbanisation

The lighthouse mentality of Indonesian rulers often manifests in grandiose projects and opportunistic leveraging of foreign investments to boost property prices and showcase their achievements. As a result, before long, we may see a pattern of worsening congestion around the new transport hubs.

Technical and Hard Challenges

The unreliability of local power supplies poses a significant risk to public transport infrastructure. Imagine being stranded in a dark, immobilised train 30 meters underground during a heavy rainstorm, or being stuck 30 meters above ground with no air conditioning. These experiences have even occurred in the past, such as during the tenure of former President Soeharto, when the High Speed Train (HST) encountered such issues.

Learning from Singapore

While new public transportation systems are crucial, there is much to learn from more advanced cities like Singapore, which excel in public safety and infrastructure management. The development of these skills and knowledge may take time, and there is much to be gained by adopting best practices from around the world.

Developing Remote Areas

Beyond the immediate technical challenges, there is a need to focus on developing infrastructure in remote areas of Indonesia. By providing better facilities and infrastructure in these regions, we can alleviate the urbanisation overload in Jakarta and promote better distribution of resources and development.

Financing and Caution

Beyond the technical challenges, there is a more cynical scenario to consider. These projects may rely on foreign funding, and the terms and motives behind this financing must be carefully examined. Several third-world countries have fallen victim to such rapid development projects, leading to economic troubles. Indonesia should proceed with caution.

Conclusion

The implementation of new public transport systems in Jakarta in 2020 is a crucial step towards improving city infrastructure and alleviating the burden of urbanisation. However, the challenges and potential risks cannot be ignored. Transparency, cautious planning, and learning from international best practices are essential to ensure that these projects achieve their intended goals and benefit the community as a whole.