TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For commuter warriors, or locally known as Anak kereta/Anker, prepare for changes in your daily route designed to make your journey much more comfortable. State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has officially announced a plan to integrate Karet Station and BNI City Station. This step is being taken to improve safety and convenience for Greater Jakarta commuters, whose numbers continue to grow.
"We are preparing the integration of Karet and BNI City to make the customer's journey safer and more comfortable," said the President Director of PT KAI, Bobby Rasyidin, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
KAI targets that the integration project will be fully operational by September 28, 2026.
What changes can commuters expect? Let us look at the key highlights designed to make your daily routine more comfortable, safe, and efficient.
Beat the Heat: Covered Transfers via AC Travelators
One of the most significant upgrades commuters need to know is the shift in how the station areas will function. Moving forward, the passenger entry and exit flows will no longer be split between the two hubs but will instead be fully centralized at BNI City Station.
So, what becomes of Karet Station? Rest assured, the Karet Station facilities will not be completely shuttered; rather, its layout will be repurposed into a concourse serving as the main connecting artery toward BNI City Station.
To ensure passengers do not get exhausted or overheated while transferring, PT KAI is constructing a connecting bridge equipped with air-conditioned travelators. The passage is designed to offer full weather protection, allowing commuters to transit seamlessly without worrying about the heat or getting caught in the rain.
Managing Traffic and Streamlining Roadside Congestion
Bobby explained that the plan to merge these passenger flows was developed with a high degree of caution. Management is keenly aware that Karet Station serves as a bustling epicenter for millions of people, ranging from pedestrians and online motorcycle taxi drivers to local vendors.
Therefore, the restructuring of the station's external access will be carried out progressively while continuing to gather feedback from the public. Coordination with the local government has also been stepped up to reorganize pick-up zones and mitigate severe traffic congestion in the surrounding Karet area.
Catering to Nearly 10 Million Passengers
This integration has become a matter of high urgency given the massive volume of passenger traffic recorded at both locations. In the first half of 2026 alone, Karet Station recorded 7,257,442 passenger movements. Meanwhile, BNI City Station, also known as Sudirman Baru, registered 2,688,254 movements.
Combined, these two neighboring hubs served a total of 9,945,696 passenger movements in just six months.
In addition to accommodating regular KRL commuters, the integration serves as a critical support system for the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link, which has seen its passenger numbers surge by 12.71 percent compared to last year.
As the late-September launch draws near, PT KAI has promised a seamless transition period featuring clear directional signage and additional ground staff to assist commuters.
ADITYA BUDIMAN
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