Urban Transport in the OIC Megacities

Figure 3: Existing and planned public transport network in 2020

Source: Jakarta Transportation Agency in Figures, 2013

Based on interviews with experts in Jakarta, even though the planned development of public transport

network will meet its target in 2020, it will only slightly reduce the traffic congestion of Jakarta as long

as demand for road space is still high. To reduce congestion, expanding transport options may need

to be complemented by other initiatives like congestion pricing to discourage the use of cars and a

shift towards compact and mixed-use development.

4.1.3.

Land use and urban form

The urban structure of Jabodetabek is polycentric with Jakarta as the main centre for governmental

and commercial activities. Tangerang and Bekasi Regencies are concentrated as industrial areas. For

residential areas, many satellite cities have been developed to support Jakarta, such as Tangerang City,

South Tangerang City, Depok City and Bekasi City.

This implies that suburbanization has rapidly preceded and population has spread out in Bodetabek

area to seek better life quality, housing circumstance and environment and/or look for cheaper place

of housing due to increasing land price in Jakarta. The population migration toward suburban areas

has generated longer daily commuting trips between residence and workplace and has put much

burden on the existing transport infrastructure and environment. In 2013, 25.7 million trips per day

were taking place in Jabodetabek, and almost 19 million of these trips took place in the central area of

Jakarta (see Figure13). These trips were performed by cars (24%), motorcycles (51%) and public

transport (25%).

Since Jabodetabek’s urban structure is changing rapidly and dynamically, the urban transport system

serving Jakarta and the surrounding areas has not been expanded in a way that keeps pace with urban

development growth. As a consequence, worsening traffic congestion, overcrowded buses and trains,

and an increase in air pollution have been catalysed.