My experience using MRT in Jakarta.. (Is it better? or pretty the same as other countries?)

Most of you maybe already know the famous 'Jakarta MRT '. The Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit or more known as MRT the new transportation in Jakarta has officially underwent for the public trial run since March 12 until March 24. Ticket for the trial run can be bought on e-commerce Bukalapak. My friend got the ticket from Blok A station on Saturday, March 16. Arrived at the front of the stairs, we were greeted by security and he asked us to show the booking reservation we got. When we go up by elevators (thank god because of the stairs very high), we were greeted again by the operators and they gave us the stickers to put on our clothes. 

After we passed through the platform, we go up again to the platform train (level 3) using the escalator. Even though there is an elevator or lift, but that can only be used for disability, older, pregnant women passengers but the elevator cannot be used yet. We decided to went to Lebak Bulus station first, so here's the view of the platform. As you can see below, yellow color means awaiting area until the passengers out from the train. The green one means a place of passengers to get in or out of the train. 

We arrived at Lebak Bulus station and we moved to other platforms that will take us to Bundaran HI station. The ambiance at Lebak Bulus station was crowded, maybe because this station is the-starting-station, and the place is very strategic because it is close to the Transjakarta bus stop or Lebak Bulus terminal. After we enter the train, the air was very cool even there were many people but the air still cool. The color of the passenger seats is blue with the handrails for standing passengers. From Lebak Bulus to Sisingamangaraja are elevated by higher constructions so we can enjoy the view of the city from above. But from Senayan station to Bundaran HI used the underground station. It reminds me of a lot with Singapore MRT and Hongkong MTR. 

After we took off in Bundaran HI station, we decide to explore more the station. The situation in Bundaran HI was more crowded than Lebak Bulus station but the ambiance very different because this is the first time Indonesia has underground transportation. If you look closely, the exit in some stations has more than 2. In Bundaran HI station there were like 4 exits divided by A. B, C, and E. So you should make sure first which exit you take before taking it. From my experience using MTR in Hongkong, the difference in exit is very far and can even cross the street so you should be careful.

We went back using MRT back and decided to get off at Blok M station. The trip takes around 15-20 minutes as I remember. Right next to the Blok M station, there is a mall, Plaza Blok M (one of my fav in high school). 

For the second time, my mom asked me to accompany her to try the newest MRT. I got the ticket from Fatmawati station which is not really far from my home (we just took a walk from home to the station). The view from Fatmawati station was the best for me?! I can still see the many lush trees between the densely packed houses. Unfortunately, there was a line repair from Blok M station to Bundaran HI so there's only one line available. Actually, when we arrived, there was a train waiting. but once the passengers were already crowded (you know the situation the computer line from Bogor to Kota in rush hours? yeah so that what is look like), we decided to wait for the next train. But after waited for 15 minutes, the security officer told us that the train would come in 1 hour so I was like gosh no, I didn't wait to wait for that long and later will jostle with other passengers like before. So we decided to take the train back to Cipete Raya station. Luckily the train we took very quite, so yeah here my pic^^

So to discuss the question above, how the Jakarta MRT? Is it better or pretty the same as other countries? I only visited two countries, Singapore and Hongkong. For the appearance is pretty the same as MRT in general.  The advantages of MRT in Singapore and MTR in Hong Kong, the trains can cover all areas in the country. So when you visit there, you can only use MRT. If you are too lazy to walk a little, you can go connect by grab or uber. But as a tourist, I think will be easier if there's only one card that can be used for all public transportation in Jakarta so making it easier for the public passengers. The situation there was also different because the people there were used to being on time so most people in there runs very fast, so if you don't follow or blend in you are definitely left behind. The facilities of the station in Singapore and Hongkong also more complete, there are minimarket till food tenant in case the passengers are want to buy the breakfast before work? But what makes MRT in Jakarta special, because there is a prayer room which I haven't found in those two countries. 

So for those who haven't had the chance to try out Jakarta MRT, you should at least try once. Even better if you start using it from now on to support public transportation. If ya'll want more info you can check @mrtjkt on Instagram for more details.

This is the first time I wrote this much post after a loooong hiatus, its really fun. And I'm sorry if you still see the mistake in my writing. I hope you guys enjoy it!

Hade!

Nurdinatti.