Visiting Jakarta's MRT Construction Site

In 2015, Jakartaofficially had theworst traffic in the world. That same yearthe country's president said it would not get better for a decade.

There was a reason for that announcement: construction on its Mass Rapid Transit - or MRT - systemcausing fresh congestion.

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Jakarta's problem is simple. There are too many cars, not enough road, no real public transport options (except on the same roads) and no sign that any of this pressure will slow down. Soon, that is. After years of ideas, planning, political intervention and changes of governments, this year Jakarta is going to finally haveits own subway system. The company PT MRT was founded in June 2008 to build the project, but physical development started more than 5 years later. In October 2013, PT MRT broke ground underneath Sudirman-Thamrin, a thoroughfare that hasstood witness to Indonesias development as economic growth advanced and more commuters flocked to the skyscrapers that sprang up along it.

Fast forward to 2017, the constructionof its first corridor running from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle ismore than 60 percent complete. Most of the construction is invisiblefrom above, so I took ourphotographer Jefri Aries with me and went below.

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Workers of MRT construction site in Hotel Indonesia Roundabouts on Feb. 2, 2017.
2017 brilio.net/Jefri Aries

As predicted, the site was dimly-lit and full of dust, but the station is clearly there.

We descended 20 meters and arrived at the concourse level, a level that will be filled with shops and stalls when it opens. According to our guide, there will be similar sceneat every MRT station, but Hotel Indonesia has the longest platforms, and sothe biggest commercial zone.

Workers at Hotel Indonesia MRT Station site are trying to get the station ready for March 2019 opening.
2017 brilio.net/Jefri Aries

After passing the concourse level, we arrived at the platforms. They are built in a closed designwith glass partitions separating them and the tracks, just like theircounterparts in Singapore. This is a far cryfrom Jakarta's Commuterline stations, designed like a Victorian Tube station without the roof.

In the MRT, there areelevators for those who can't take the stairs and escalators between all levels.Several TransJakarta bus stations have elevators as well, butnormally they are out of order, vandalized and long-neglected. Even the walkways atTransJakarta are steep and poorly planned, but not on the MRT.

Construction site of MRT Hotel Indonesia Station, Central Jakarta on Feb. 2, 2017.
2017 brilio.net/Jefri Aries

Then we moved to the MRT's stunning tunnels, currently fitted withtemporary rails to bring soil and machines from one part of the site to another.

The station and the whole Phase 1 construction project are scheduled to finish mid-2018. Then, railway construction, rail stock installation, trial runs and certification will take place before the route is finally opened for public use in March 2019. After that, PT MRT will start the development of the second stage, from HI to East Ancol in North Jakarta.

Safety

After more than one hour down there, my nose and lung could not take it anymore. I started to cough because the dust was too much. I could only inhale so much dust and cement.

This made me wonder about the workers' health down there, having to deal with the situation every day.

I saw a sign saying that respirators must be worn at all times, but I saw no workerswearing one. Justa few wore regular cotton masks.

Banners of safety warnings in MRT construction site at Hotel Indonesia Station on Feb. 2, 2017.
2017 brilio.net/Jefri Aries

They don't use respirators. There are fans, though, my guide said when I asked him about the workers. Now there are holes so wind can come in.

The workers were trained before starting to work here. They know how to work safely in a closed site like this.

The MRT constructionsites are open every Thursdayto accredited visitors. You can contact PT MRT at its website here.