A City in Turmoil

In late August 2025, Jakarta witnessed one of its most severe episodes of urban unrest in recent years. What began as protests over lawmakers’ housing allowances spiraled after the death of a motorcycle rideshare driver, sparking riots that shook Indonesia’s capital. Beyond the political tensions, the violence left deep scars on the city’s public transport system, disrupting the mobility of millions and raising urgent questions about infrastructure resilience.

Disruption Across the Network

The riots hit Jakarta’s transport services at their core. TransJakarta’s bus rapid transit (BRT) operations were suspended citywide after seven stations were set ablaze and 22 more vandalized. MRT Jakarta was also forced to halt parts of its service due to damage sustained at one of its stations.

The ripple effects extended beyond buses and trains. Key urban infrastructure was heavily damaged, including pedestrian overpasses, traffic lights, CCTV systems, and toll gates. Authorities estimated total losses from destroyed and vandalized public facilities to be around Rp80 billion (USD 5 million).

Government Response and Support

Amid the chaos, the Jakarta provincial government sought to ease the burden on residents. In a swift policy move, it announced free rides on TransJakarta, MRT, and LRT services until 8 September 2025. This decision aimed not only to help stranded commuters but also to restore public confidence in the city’s transport system.

Welfizon Yusa, President Director of TransJakarta, publicly apologized to passengers for the disruption and assured that efforts were underway to restore services. “We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused. Our team is working around the clock, and we are committed to resolving this within one week,” he said.

Officials emphasized that repairs to damaged stations and infrastructure would be prioritized, though timelines remain uncertain given the scale of destruction.

Wider Implications

The riots underscored Jakarta’s vulnerability at the intersection of politics, social unrest, and urban infrastructure. Public transport relied upon by millions daily proved both a target and a casualty of civil disorder. The damage goes beyond financial cost, revealing the fragility of systems that underpin the city’s mobility and economic productivity.

Looking Ahead

As Jakarta recovers, the episode highlights the need for stronger protective measures around critical infrastructure, greater resilience planning, and improved engagement between authorities and communities. With urban populations growing and political pressures intensifying, public transport security will remain a defining challenge for Southeast Asia’s largest metropolis.

In Jakarta, the tracks of recovery will take time to rebuild, but the lessons may shape how cities worldwide safeguard the systems that keep them moving.