Jakarta Public Transport and Toll Roads Paralyzed After Violent Protests
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Jakarta’s public transport network and inner-city toll roads remain paralyzed on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, following violent protests that erupted on Friday night. Demonstrators set fire to seven toll gates and vandalized public transport facilities, forcing operators to suspend or divert services across the capital.
PT Jasa Marga Tbk, through its Jasamarga Metropolitan Tollroad Regional Division, reported that the Cawang-Tomang-Pluit toll road—commonly known as the Inner-City Toll Road—has not returned to normal operation after protesters burned seven toll gates and damaged multiple road facilities. The unrest has effectively crippled traffic flow along the key artery since Friday evening.
According to Senior General Manager of Jasamarga Metropolitan Tollroad Plaza Cililitan Jakarta Widiyatmiko Nursejati, demonstrators entered the toll road through Kuningan, Semanggi, and Senayan access points late Friday. By 9:15 p.m., they torched the Pejompongan toll gate, with arson later spreading to Slipi 1, Slipi 2, Senayan, Semanggi 1, Semanggi 2, and Kuningan 1.
“Traffic diversions were enforced under police direction from 5:13 p.m. Vehicles were redirected away from the Inner-City Toll Road, and those already inside were instructed to turn back,” Widiyatmiko said on Saturday. He added that more than 20 units of water barriers, traffic cones, median barriers, CCTV systems, and supporting infrastructure were destroyed.
As of 8:05 a.m. Saturday, several on-ramps to the burned toll gates remained closed. Jasa Marga deployed personnel to clear debris and secure the main road, while urging motorists to adjust travel schedules and follow real-time updates via the Travoy application, social media channels, or the company’s 24-hour hotline at 14080.
Rail Services Under Strain
While toll roads were blocked, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KAI Commuter) confirmed that Jabodetabek Commuter Line services continued operating normally on Saturday morning.
“Commuter Line operations are running smoothly and safely. All station facilities remain intact with no damage,” said Vice President Corporate Secretary Joni Martinus. He noted that additional security forces had been deployed to prevent disruptions.
However, disruptions did hit long-distance rail services. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daerah Operasi 1 Jakarta announced extraordinary stops at Jatinegara station for trains departing from Pasar Senen, after road closures near the station hindered passenger access.
Affected services included trains such as Fajar Utama Yogyakarta, Airlangga, Serayu Pagi, Tegal Bahari, Gaya Baru Malam Selatan, Matarmaja, Sawunggalih, Brantas, Cikuray, Majapahit, Tawang Jaya, and Senja Utama Yogyakarta.
“This step was taken to provide easier access for passengers amid blocked roads near Pasar Senen,” said KAI Daop 1 Jakarta spokesperson Ixfan Hendriwintoko. He emphasized that the adjustment was temporary and urged passengers to monitor departure stations and allow extra travel time.
Transjakarta Halts Operations
The capital’s largest bus operator, PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta), suspended all services on Saturday morning due to unsafe conditions and vandalism at bus shelters.
“Considering the unstable situation, none of our services can operate this morning,” said Head of Public Relations and CSR Ayu Wardhani.
On Friday night, protesters vandalized at least two bus shelters, including Polda Metro Jaya and Senen Toyota Rangga. Transjakarta’s command center continues to monitor developments to determine when services can resume.
“Management and directors are monitoring conditions in real time at the command center, given how dynamic the situation remains,” Ayu added.
Transjakarta urged passengers to follow updates via the TJ: Transjakarta mobile application and the company’s official social media channels.
Outlook
The violent unrest has severely disrupted Jakarta’s transport infrastructure, cutting off key toll road access and paralyzing bus services. While commuter trains remain functional, long-distance routes have been diverted to accommodate stranded passengers.
Authorities and operators continue to focus on restoring services and ensuring public safety, but uncertainty remains over when normal operations will resume.
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