JAKARTA, JAYA POS – President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming visit to France has raised hopes that the Jakarta Monorail project could receive expedited support, especially from Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. The renewed discussion about reactivating the monorail—originally proposed during the tenure of former Governor Sutiyoso (1997–2007)—is gaining momentum once again as part of Jakarta’s efforts to improve its public transportation infrastructure.
A limited discussion on the Jakarta Monorail took place in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, attended by French technical expert Romain Pierru and financial consultant Leo KW Lum.
President Prabowo is set to visit France at the invitation of the French Government to attend Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, 2025. During the commemoration of the French Revolution in central Paris, over 500 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel are expected to participate in the parade.
Given the close relationship between President Prabowo and French President Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron, a potential business partnership between Indonesian and French companies for the Jakarta Monorail could be announced—pending an official stance from the Jakarta Provincial Government.
Ir. Sukmawati Syukur, President Director of PT Jakarta Monorail, expressed confidence that if the Jakarta Government fulfills its cooperation agreement, the project could be accelerated. “God willing, Governor Pramono will be able to inaugurate the operational phase,” she stated.
The goal is for the monorail to serve as a special gift for Jakarta’s 500th anniversary on June 22, 2027.
According to Romain Pierru, French investors have shown significant interest in the monorail project. “Yes, I think you should speak to Olivier—he’s been working on the second phase of the LRT project and has connections with French export financing agencies… He also mentioned the possibility of a feasibility study funded by the French side,” Pierru said.
Follow-up Discussions at Sari Pacific Hotel
The limited meeting followed earlier discussions held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Jakarta. The meeting was led by Ir. Ridwan Hisjam, accompanied by Ir. Sukmawati Syukur, and also attended by the two international experts. They expressed optimism that the monorail project could move forward swiftly once it receives approval from the Jakarta Government.
“What Governor Pramono Anung will want to know is how ready PT Jakarta Monorail is to execute the project,” said Ridwan Hisjam, who is prepared to communicate directly with the Governor.
Sukmawati reaffirmed her commitment, stating that if the Jakarta Government honors its agreement, the project can proceed quickly. “God willing, Governor Pramono will be able to officiate the launch before the end of his term,” she emphasized.
The urgency of the project has been sparked by Governor Pramono Anung’s commitment to improving public transportation in the Jakarta metropolitan area. Expanded TransJakarta routes into the Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi regions have opened the door for the monorail to become another modern, mass-transit alternative—alongside MRT and LRT.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) already operates from the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Central Jakarta to Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta, with ongoing work on the Bundaran HI–Harmoni–Jakarta Kota segment scheduled for completion by 2029.
LRT (Light Rail Transit) operates from Dukuh Atas to Harjamukti (Cibubur Line) and from Dukuh Atas to Harjamukti (Bekasi Line) in East Jakarta.
With state construction firm PT Adhi Karya no longer part of the consortium, PT Jakarta Monorail sees fewer obstacles in pushing the project forward.
New Route Proposed
Leo KW Lum suggested a new potential route from Jakarta Kota Station to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport via Pantai Indah Kapuk. “All of these alternatives have been presented to Jakarta Monorail,” he said, adding that he’s also been in contact with Singaporean urban transport experts to assist in developing the monorail system in Jakarta and its surrounding areas.
Former MP Ir. Ridwan Hisjam expressed enthusiasm after reviewing the Jakarta Monorail Project Summary.
He proposed involving Jakarta-owned enterprises (BUMD) to support the initiative. “If Jakpro could support the LRT, why not the monorail?” he added.
As PT Jakarta Monorail awaits a meeting with Governor Pramono Anung, they’ve been advised to complete all administrative documents and finalize agreements related to the project.
The presence of international experts and detailed investment plans have bolstered optimism that, under Governor Pramono Anung’s leadership, the Jakarta Monorail will be a legitimate and serious initiative. “I want to convey this before Mas Pram [Pramono Anung’s nickname] welcomes us,” Ridwan noted.
Public Transit Advocate
Governor Pramono Anung is known for his strong support for public transport, consistently commuting by public transit every Wednesday. “I’m committed to that. I don’t intend to break the rule at all,” he stated, emphasizing that the policy applies to all civil servants without exception.
As one of Indonesia’s largest and most densely populated cities, Jakarta still requires additional public transportation infrastructure. The Jakarta Government continues to innovate to encourage residents to use public transit. Today, residents enjoy a wide range of transit options, allowing them to explore the city, visit shopping malls, or enjoy culinary tourism efficiently.
Unhindered Travel
The monorail promises a new, congestion-free mode of transportation. Its elevated tracks ensure smooth travel, unlike ground-based public transportation such as TransJakarta buses, taxis, or even private vehicles.
On April 7–8, 2025, heavy rain, upstream flooding from Bogor, and rising sea levels caused severe traffic congestion across Jakarta. However, MRT and LRT operations remained unaffected, thanks to their elevated tracks. The monorail, once operational, is expected to offer the same reliability.
Should the monorail be launched under Governor Pramono Anung’s administration, it would significantly expand Jakarta’s public transportation network and improve commuting efficiency. Fingers crossed! (Ris/Ton)
