Indonesia Best Practices

Jakarta’s Transit-Oriented Developments: A Pathway to Sustainable Urban Mobility

Written by: Sachi Emelin Carissa, Aniessa Delima Sari

Jakarta is transforming its congested streets and car-dependent neighbourhoods into liveable, accessible, and sustainable communities through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). With a population exceeding 10 million and a long-standing challenge with traffic congestion, the city is embracing TOD as a key strategy to support its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Voluntary Local Review (VLR) commitments.

What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?

TOD is an urban planning approach that focuses on creating compact, walkable neighbourhoods centred around high-quality public transport systems. It integrates residential, commercial, and green spaces, aiming to reduce car dependency, lower emissions, and improve the overall urban environment.

Jakarta began piloting TOD in 2015, starting with the Dukuh Atas district alongside the construction of its first MRT line. Since then, the city has expanded TOD implementation to other key areas such as Blok M and Bundaran HI, integrating mobility, accessibility, and smart urban solutions.

Best Practices from Jakarta

Dukuh Atas: Jakarta’s First TOD Success Story

Figure 1. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Dukuh Atas (Bappeda Jakarta, 2024)

Situated in the heart of the capital’s business corridor, Dukuh Atas integrates the MRT, commuter rail, airport train, and bus services. The district now features:

• Riverfront parks, pedestrian plazas, and green bridges
• A mix of housing, offices, and retail spaces
• Safe and walkable infrastructure

Blok M: A Revitalised Urban Transit Hub

 “Blok M Plaza was completely desolate before the MRT, but now that it has a direct connection to the MRT, it has evolved into a busy hub where people meet to dine, buy and watch films.”

– Selfy, as reported in (Kompas.com, 2023)

Figure 2. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Blok M (Bappeda Jakarta, 2024)

Once in decline, Blok M has been reimagined through TOD with:

• Seamless interchange between MRT and TransJakarta via the CSW-ASEAN hub
• Renovated public spaces like Martha Christina Tiahahu Park, now a centre for literacy and cultural engagement
• A vibrant social and commercial environment around public transport

In March 2025, Jakarta introduced QRIS Tap technology at the Bundaran HI MRT Station, enabling contactless access across MRT, LRT, and bus networks. This smart city innovation, not just improves passenger convenience, but also reduces congestion and emissions, as well as demonstrates the city’s digital integration and user focus.

Challenges & the Way Forward

As with many cities, Jakarta faces challenges such as land acquisition, inter-agency coordination, and funding constraints. To overcome these, the city is:

• Revising zoning and land use policies
• Enhancing public engagement
• Scaling up digital infrastructure
• Aligning TOD strategies with global frameworks such as the UN 2030 Agenda and VLRs

Jakarta’s TOD journey demonstrates how urban resilience, climate action, and inclusivity can be achieved together. By linking sustainable transport with green spaces and social services, the city is offering a replicable model for other GCoM SEA cities aiming for a low-carbon, people-centered future.

References

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Kompas.com. (2023). Kala Mal Blok M Plaza Bangkit dari ‘Mati Suri’, Usai Terkoneksi MRT. https://money.kompas.com/read/2023/07/23/194500126/kala-mal-blok-m-plaza-bangkit-dari-mati-suri-usai-terkoneksi-mrt-?page=all

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Moinse, D., & Moinse, D. (2024). A Systematic Literature Review on Station Area Integrating Micromobility in Europe: A Twenty-First Century Transit-Oriented Development. 171–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35664-3_12

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TEMPO. (2025). Pramono Anung: QRIS Tap Akan Diimplementasikan pada LRT, MRT, Jaklingko, TransJakarta, hingga TransJabodetabek | tempo.co. https://www.tempo.co/politik/pramono-anung-qris-tap-akan-diimplementasikan-pada-lrt-mrt-jaklingko-transjakarta-hingga-transjabodetabek-1219589

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