The Jakarta Provincial Government is making TransJakarta, MRT and LRT public transportation free for women today to commemorate Kartini Day. The provincial government states that this is a gift for women.
Jakarta Transportation Agency Head, Syafrin Liputo, said there will be a special gate to accommodate female passengers who take advantage of this free service.
“The mechanism will prepare a special gate for free customers both in TransJakarta, MRT, and LRT,” said DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency Head Syafrin Liputo, as reported by Antara, Friday, 18 April 2025.
This policy is valid for 24 hours, from 00.00 to 23.59 WIB. During that period, women in Jakarta can access the integrated highway mode (MRT) and light rail (LRT) for free.
Meanwhile, TransJakarta will charge Rp 1 for female customers.
This free fare policy is a follow-up to the statement by DKI Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung. Previously, Pramono announced plans to provide free public transportation on Kartini Day. It was a form of appreciation for the struggle of Indonesian women.
“Kartini Day is an important moment to appreciate women. We want to give women the opportunity to celebrate this day by being more free to move without being burdened by transportation costs,” said Pramono.
In addition, the free fare policy is also expected to encourage more women to use public transportation.
When is Kartini Day and Its Meaning for Indonesian Women
Raden Adjeng Kartini was a Javanese figure and Indonesian National Hero. Kartini is known as the pioneer of the awakening of Indigenous women in the archipelago.
President Soekarno issued Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 108 of 1964, dated 2 May 1964, which designated Kartini as a National Independence Hero as well as setting Kartini’s birthday, 21 April, to be commemorated annually as a national day, which later became known as Kartini Day.
Kartini is known for her struggle in fighting for women’s rights, especially in the fields of education and equality.
Born on 21 April 1879 in Jepara, Kartini grew up in a Javanese aristocratic environment that, at that time, still limited women’s movement.
Through her letters to her friends in Europe, Kartini expressed her concerns and dreams about freedom of thought, education for women, and social justice.
The collection of letters was later published in a book entitled Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang.
Cover: Photo by Heru Eko Saputro on Unsplash