MRT Jakarta awards fare collection contract to Hitachi, Sumitomo

By Romel S. Gurky

Jakarta mass rapid transportation firm PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda) has signed a Rp341.5 billion (US$19.08 million) contract with Hitachi Rail and Sumitomo Corporation for the automatic fare collection (AFC) system of the North-South Line Phase 2A extension.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, covers Contract Package (CP) 207, which includes the design, manufacturing, delivery and installation of the AFC system for the Phase 2A project connecting Bundaran HI and Kota.

The contract was signed by MRT Jakarta Construction Director Weni Maulina, Hitachi Rail Hong Kong Limited Authorized Representative Nicolas Rabat, and Sumitomo Corporation Consortium Authorized Representative Tsuyoshi Nakamura at MRT Jakarta's headquarters in Central Jakarta.

MRT Jakarta President Director Tuhiyat said the AFC system would play a key role in supporting operations of the Phase 2A extension and future transport integration.

"The automatic fare collection system is an important part of realizing operations of the North-South Line Phase 2A. This system is a key foundation for improving customer experience and accelerating future transportation service integration," Tuhiyat said.

Read also: Jakarta and Banten sign MoU on study for MRT East–West Phase 2

He also expressed appreciation to the Indonesian government, the Jakarta provincial government, the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for supporting the development of Jakarta's urban rail system.

Hitachi Rail's Nicolas Rabat said the contract reinforces the company's commitment to supporting railway and urban transport development in Indonesia through modern AFC technology.

"We are proud to collaborate with MRT Jakarta in delivering a smarter and more integrated mobility system. This technology will improve operational efficiency and customer service while supporting a more connected urban mobility ecosystem," Rabat said.

Sumitomo Corporation's Tsuyoshi Nakamura said the company would leverage its experience in Indonesian railway infrastructure projects to support the development of efficient and reliable urban transportation in Jakarta.

As of May 25, construction progress of the Phase 2A extension had reached 60.8%, exceeding the target of 59.7%, according to MRT Jakarta.

The company aims to complete and begin operations of the first section between Bundaran HI and Monas in 2027, while the second section extending to Kota is targeted to enter operation in 2029.

Editing by Alexander Ginting