When visiting Jakarta, you’ll likely use various modes of transportation such as buses, MRT, and taxis. However, paying with cash every time can be troublesome, right? This is where Jakarta’s convenient public transport e-money cards come in handy. This article will introduce the main types of e-money cards available in Jakarta and how to use them.
Types of Convenient Public Transport E-Money Cards (IC Cards) in Jakarta
When visiting Jakarta, you’ll likely use various modes of transportation such as buses, MRT, and taxis. However, paying with cash every time can be troublesome, right? This is where Jakarta’s convenient public transport e-money cards come in handy. This article will introduce the main types of e-money cards available in Jakarta and how to use them.
Types of Public Transport E-Money Cards
E-money cards are issued by various banks. Here are the types of public transport e-money cards available in Jakarta:
- JakCard: Issued by Bank DKI
- BCA Flazz: Issued by Bank Central Asia (BCA)
- Mandiri e-money: Issued by Bank Mandiri
- BRI Brizzi: Issued by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI)
- BNI Tap Cash: Issued by Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI)
- Others
Important Notes:
- Some public transport services may not accept all bank-issued e-money cards.
- There may be a fee for topping up bank-issued e-money cards.
In this article, I will explain using “JakCard,” which I actually used. Other cards can likely be purchased and used in a similar manner.
JakCard
JakCard is a prepaid card that can be used for transportation, tourist attractions, and various payments within Jakarta Province. Since it can be recharged and reused, it eliminates the need to carry cash, making it very convenient.
Main Uses:
- Public Transport:
- TransJakarta Bus
- MRT Jakarta
- LRT Jakarta
- Commuter Line (train)
- MicroTrans (small bus)
- Taxis (some taxi companies)
- Tourist Facilities:
- Ragunan Zoo
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
- Safari Park
- Monas (National Monument)
- Various museums
- Other:
- Parking fees
- Payments at street vendors and some shops
- Event admission fees
How to Use JakCard
JakCard Purchase:
JakCard can be purchased at station counters, bus stops, convenience stores, and shopping malls.
- An ID is required for purchase.
- The minimum top-up amount is 50,000 Rupiah.
Topping Up:
JakCard can be topped up at station counters, bus stops, convenience stores, and shopping malls.
- Top-up methods include cash, debit card, and credit card.
Usage:
Payment is completed by simply tapping your JakCard on the reader at the gates of public transport or tourist facilities.
- If your balance is insufficient, you will need to top up the card.
Actual Usage Procedure
This time, I purchased a new card at a TransJakarta station and traveled round-trip to Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in the suburbs. I will explain the actual steps I followed during that process.
New Card Purchase
There is a card machine located just before the ticket gates at the TransJakarta station. This machine allows for new card purchases, balance inquiries, and top-ups. The purchase method offered two options: cash or QR code payment. I intended to pay with GoPay (a QR payment app), but the machine’s QR display was not readable due to sunlight glare, so I purchased with cash. Only the amount of 50,000 Rupiah was displayed. I inserted a 50,000 Rupiah bill and received the card.
Gates and Boarding
Once you tap the purchased card at the turnstile, the gate opens. This procedure is the same as with Japan’s Suica card. Before traveling, I checked the route and the bus stop for my destination using Google Maps. Bus numbers are clearly displayed on electronic signs, but be careful not to board the wrong bus. It’s best to confirm your destination with the conductor or a local person nearby before boarding. At stations with gates, you simply board the bus after passing through.
TransJakarta buses use dedicated lanes in areas with stations, allowing them to bypass traffic jams. However, once they enter general roads, they get caught in traffic. While you can check times on Google Maps, Jakarta’s traffic jams are severe even on weekdays during the day, so buses rarely arrive on schedule. As long as you are at the correct bus stop, just wait, assuming the bus will eventually come. Therefore, confirming your boarding location is essential.
Unless you are familiar with the route, I recommend checking your current location on Google Maps while on board. Bus stop names are displayed at the front of the bus. When you pass the stop before yours, prepare to alight from the front of the bus. Unlike in Japan, there are no stop buttons, so you need to signal that you want to get off. Wait where the driver or conductor can see you. When you reach your destination bus stop, tap your card on the reader at the front exit/entrance of the bus and alight. If your destination bus stop is a station with turnstiles, simply exit the bus and pass through the station gates to go outside.
This time, on my return journey, I boarded from a regular roadside bus stop without turnstiles, so I boarded from the front of the bus and tapped my card. You can check your balance using the machine where you purchased the card, so make sure to do so.
Conclusion
This article provided information based on my experience of purchasing a new JakCard and riding TransJakarta. I will add more information in the future if there are updates on using it for other modes of transport, tourist attractions, or topping up. If you plan to use public transport when visiting Jakarta, I recommend buying a card at the beginning of your trip to avoid any hassle.
JakCard Official Website: smartcity.jakarta.go.id Top-up Locations: youtube.com/2 Merchants: bankdki.co.id
