Discover how Jakarta’s MRT Phase 2A is transforming urban transit to ease congestion, facilitate growth, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
By Paul Colbert
An estimated four million of Jakarta’s 10 million strong population commute to work every day, and most head for the capital. To address the increasing traffic congestion in this thriving city and to continue to support its economic expansion, there is an urgent need for a more efficient urban transportation system.
The Jakarta MRT Line Phase 2A, with a budget of $1.4 billion, is part of Jakarta’s transportation master plan, with the Indonesian government aiming to increase public transportation use to 60% by 2030.
Kota Station 5 – Day view of the main gate of Kota Station
Kota Station 9 – Night view of the main gate of Kota Station
Kota Station 20 – Day view of an alternative gate of Kota Station
Jakarta traffic congestion solutions
Jakarta’s Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system is a national strategic infrastructure scheme, aimed at boosting mobility for the workers and travellers of Indonesia’s economic, cultural and political centre.
A major goal of the Jakarta MRT Phase 2A project is to extend public transport access to over 600,000 daily commuters, potentially reducing traffic congestion in Jakarta by 30-40% and lowering carbon emissions annually by 25-35%.
With Phase 1 now operational, Phase 2 of the Jakarta MRT project is underway – a $288 million extension into West Jakarta and the old city that involves constructing two new underground stations.
PT Hutama Karya, an Indonesian construction engineering company, is leading the project and faced multiple geotechnical challenges including limited land availability and navigating cultural heritage sites.
The 5.8 km rail line will connect Jakarta’s downtown area with the northern part of the capital, passing through centuries-old neighborhoods existing since the Dutch colonial period when the city was known as Batavia.
Above and underground view of Jakarta’s Mass Rapid Transport Kota Station.
Integrated 3D model of Kota Station using Leapfrog Works to ensure soil condition.
Integrated 3D model of Glodok Station using Leapfrog Works to ensure soil condition.
95%
Reduction in time and effort needed for soil modelling and stratigraphy.
$500,000
More than $500,000 saved in excavation and retaining costs.
4 weeks
Up to four weeks, and $50,000 cut from planning time and expenses.
30-40%
Traffic congestion in Jakarta reduced by 30-40% with MRT expansion.
Building a vital city rail line on limited data
Engineers also faced difficulties given the restricted number of borehole sampling points, affecting their ability to analyse the geotechnical conditions accurately. The project’s initial phase saw the collection of data from only 38 borehole points due to space constraints.
”“This limited data posed a challenge in determining safe and effective soil excavation techniques,” said Achmad Naufal, PT Hutama Karya’s Officer of Digital Construction.
”“The challenge was to develop excavation strategies that would not damage nearby historical buildings while optimising resource allocation and minimising project risks. Our team required specific soil reinforcement strategies, such as the top-down approach with kingpost support.” he said.
Integrated 3D model of Kota Station using Leapfrog Works to ensure soil condition.
Integrated 3D model of Glodok Station using Leapfrog Works to ensure soil condition.
Reducing construction risks. Fostering stakeholder engagement.
To overcome these challenges, Hutama Karya turned to Seequent and Bentley’s advanced software tools, including Leapfrog Works, PLAXIS 2D, Synchro 4D, ProjectWise, and iTwin.
These tools enabled the team to create a comprehensive 3D model of the soil conditions, extending the visual lithology estimation and improving the accuracy of their stratigraphy.
”“By integrating data and enhancing collaboration among various disciplines, the software facilitated better planning, scheduling, and resource management. An approach that not only improved soil analysis but also optimised the use of heavy machinery, reducing costs and environmental impact,” said Naufal.
Leapfrog significantly improved soil data collection and analysis, reducing the time and effort needed for soil modelling and stratigraphy by up to 95%.
”“This efficiency saved 2-4 weeks in planning, and up to $50,000 in costs by eliminating unnecessary data work and enhancing underground condition insights by 80%, reducing construction risks and fostering better stakeholder communication,” said Naufal.
Synchro 4D model method of excavation
Preserving important cultural heritage sites
There were further significant time and cost savings with the use of Seequent and Bentley’s innovative software solutions.
The PLAXIS 2D model helped eliminate unnecessary piling depth, reducing excavation costs by 10% and avoiding potential damages worth $2.5 million. Additionally, the optimisation of heavy machinery usage lowered operational costs by $30,000 per month and reduced CO2 emissions by about 50 tons.
Furthermore, the project’s strategic use of advanced digital tools has facilitated the design and construction of energy-efficient infrastructure, leading to a 15% reduction in energy consumption across all operations.
”“Importantly, Seequent and Bentley's mapping and modelling digital technology also played a vital role in preserving cultural heritage sites, ensuring the project's success while safeguarding the city's historical landmarks,” said Naufal.
iTwin project of Glodok Station.
PLAXIS analysis and method of excavation.