Karet–BNI City Integration Targeted to Commence Operations on 28 September 2026
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is targeting the integration of Karet Station with BNI City Station to commence operations on 28 September 2026. This integration is being prepared as part of efforts to enhance KRL Jabodetabek services through the reorganization of passenger flow, strengthening of operational safety, and improvement of access within the surrounding station areas.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that the plan has been prepared with a prudent approach, considering that Karet Station has long been part of the daily activities of many passengers and the surrounding community.
“The integration of Karet and BNI City is designed to make passenger journeys safer and more comfortable. KAI also understands that this area is closely tied to community activities, ranging from pedestrians, drop-off and pick-up activities, conventional motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing services, to local businesses. Therefore, the arrangement must be carried out properly, gradually, and with continued consideration of public input,” said Bobby.
Under the integration plan, the Karet Station area will be designated as a concourse or connecting space leading to BNI City Station. KAI will also provide air-conditioned travelator facilities to ensure a more comfortable transfer for passengers heading to BNI City. Passenger gate-in and gate-out activities will be centralized at BNI City Station, while the Karet area will remain as a well-organized supporting access point.
Bobby explained that this integration is driven by safety and service requirements. The very close distance between Karet Station and BNI City Station affects train operational patterns. In addition, passenger boarding and alighting activities, as well as drop-off and pick-up movements around Karet Station, need to be better managed to ensure safety for passengers, road users, and the surrounding community.
“We aim to address this issue through a solution-oriented approach. Passengers require easy access, the surrounding community requires spatial certainty, and railway operations require safe flow. This integration must address all three,” Bobby added.
Based on KAI data, the Karet and BNI City area is one of the service points with high passenger activity. During the first semester of 2026, Karet Station recorded 7,257,442 passenger gate-in and gate-out activities, while BNI City Station, also known as Sudirman Baru, recorded 2,688,254 such activities. In total, both stations served 9,945,696 passenger boarding and alighting activities from January to June 2026.
In 2025, passenger activity at both stations was also significant. Karet Station served 21,956,607 passenger boarding and alighting activities, while BNI City Station (Sudirman Baru) served 7,132,683 activities. In total, the area handled 29,089,290 passenger movements throughout 2025.
The role of BNI City or Sudirman Baru is becoming increasingly important as it serves as one of the service points for the Commuter Line Basoetta. In the first semester of 2026, the Commuter Line Basoetta served 1,197,413 passengers, an increase of 12.71% compared to 1,062,415 passengers in the first semester of 2025. With this function, the Karet–BNI City integration is designed to strengthen passenger flow in an area that accommodates commuter travel, intermodal transfers, and access to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
According to Bobby, these figures indicate that the arrangement of Karet and BNI City must be viewed comprehensively, encompassing daily mobility needs, operational safety, and economic activities in the surrounding area.
“The passenger volume in this area is substantial. This means that every change must be carefully prepared. KAI aims to ensure that passengers continue to have easy access to services, while the surrounding environment is organized to be more orderly, safe, and comfortable,” Bobby stated.
KAI will strengthen coordination with local governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that area management is carried out in alignment. This coordination includes the arrangement of pedestrian access, drop-off and pick-up areas, the movement of conventional and ride-hailing motorcycle taxis, as well as community activities that have long existed around Karet Station.
Bobby emphasized that KAI will prepare a transition period supported by clear information for passengers. Directional signage, service personnel, public communication, and passenger flow management will be arranged to ensure that changes in travel patterns can be well understood by the public.
“We do not want passengers to experience confusion. When the integration is implemented, information must be clear, access must be ready, and personnel must be present to assist. KAI wants this change to be perceived as a service improvement, not as an additional burden for passengers,” Bobby said.
KAI also views the integration of Karet and BNI City as part of broader improvements to public transportation services in central Jakarta. With more comfortable connecting facilities, passengers will be able to transfer through more organized pathways, protected from weather conditions, and with safer movement flows compared to current conditions.
“KAI will continue to improve its services while listening to the voices of passengers and the community. Safety remains the priority, service quality must continue to improve, and area management should provide benefits to a wider range of stakeholders,” Bobby concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI