In an update for Jabodetabek KRL users, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KAI Commuter) has announced significant changes to Karet Station. Starting in April 2025, KRL trains will no longer stop at Karet Station to pick up or drop off passengers.
Instead, the station will undergo a transformation to become part of an integrated modern transportation system in the Dukuh Atas area.
According to Asdo Artriviyanto, President Director of PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI), the decision to change the function of Karet Station was made due to its inability to meet the requirements for passenger boarding and alighting.
He explained that passengers will instead use the nearby BNI City Station, which offers better facilities, including a more spacious platform and a more comfortable experience.
“The condition of Karet Station does not meet the requirements for getting on and off passengers. Therefore, passengers will get on and off through BNI City, which is more comfortable, a better station, and has a wider platform,” said Asdo, as quoted by Antara.
The integration of Karet, BNI City Station, and Sudirman Station has been in development since 2020.
This initiative includes creating a well-designed public space at Karet Station, which will no longer serve as a passenger station. Instead, the area will be equipped with modern amenities such as snack outlets and pedestrian-friendly facilities.
“The concept of public space in the Karet Station area has been well designed,” Asdo said. He added that ongoing construction at BNI City Station, including the installation of a canopy at its west end, is expected to be completed by April 2025.
“Inshallah, in April, everything will be completed. Connect. Try the road from BNI City,” he concluded.
Karet Station to Become a Public Space
In collaboration with the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, the integration project will include constructing pedestrian-friendly access routes and covered walkways. A sky bridge will connect Dukuh Atas to Sudirman, with a corridor leading to BNI City Station.
The station area will be transformed into a vibrant public space featuring neat and modern tenants, including food and beverage outlets.
“With the integration of Karet into BNI City, the area will become a public space,” Asdo explained. “There will be good, neat tenants. The concept is already there. Customers can enjoy the Karet Station area as a pedestrian-friendly zone, with public areas for tenants, snacks, and so on.”
This initiative aims to enhance urban mobility and provide a more enjoyable experience for commuters and pedestrians alike. With improved infrastructure and amenities, the transformed Karet area will contribute to the modernisation of Jakarta’s public transport network.
cover: Photo by Ardias ArtDesign/Pexels