Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Inauguration of Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Route Connecting Kelapa Gading and Manggarai, at Manggarai Station, Special Capital Region of Jakarta September 16, 2026

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good afternoon,

May peace be upon us all,

Shalom,
Salve,
Om swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya, 

Greetings of virtue.

Distinguished Governor of Special Capital Region of Jakarta as the host of this event, Pramono Anung Wibowo;
Distinguished Vice Governor of Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Rano Karno;

Ministers and Members of the Red and White Cabinet in attendace: Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi; Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi; Chief of Presidential Staff, General TNI (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman; Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia, Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya;

Honorable Speaker of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) of Jakarta, Suhud Alynudin; President Director of PT Jakpro, Iwan Takwin; President Director of PT LRT Jakarta, Aditia Kesuma Negara, thank you;

Distinguished employees of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), station officers, train drivers, and all LRT crews;
As people of faith, let us never cease to offer our praise and gratitude to Allah subhanhu wa ta’aala, the Almighty God, the Creator of all the worlds. To Him alone we pray, and from Him alone we seek help. We are deeply grateful for the blessings, goodness, peace, and good health He has bestowed upon us, enabling us to gather here on this auspicious occasion for the inauguration of LRT Jakarta Route connecting Kelapa Gading and Manggarai.

On this occasion, let us always remember our brothers and sisters who have been affected by tragedies, including the recent Virgo ship incident in Banjarmasin. We continue to pray that the bereaved may be granted patience, strength, and fortitude. The Government will continue to investigate the causes and circumstances of this incident, so that we may strengthen mitigation measures and take the best possible steps. There are still many of our fellow citizens in various places who are enduring hardships as a result of natural disasters. Yet, from the central government to the provincial, regency, and local governments, we have demonstrated our abilty to work together affectively in confronting these challenges and difficulties. I believe this is a true reflection of what it means to be a nation in the Indonesian way, and today I see this as a demonstration of how Indonesia functions as a state.

We are now witnessing a crucial step in the national development and transformation process. Greater Jakarta has become one of the world’s largest metropolitans areas, with a population of 42 million of people. We are capable of managing an agglomeration of this scale.

The population is possibly larger than many countries in the world yet we managed to run it in a safe, democratic, and orderly atmosphere. An excellent example of carrying out the governance as a nation in the Indonesian way is reflected through collaboration between myself as President of the Republic of Indonesia, who leads the central government, whiles Pramono Anung, as Governor of Special Capital Region of Jakarta, leads the local government of Jakarta. We come from different political parties and competed against each other in the general election, yet we are able to cooperate and mutually respect one another.

We are gathered here today. I serve as President, while Pramono as Governor, and Rano Karno as Vice Governor. We are public servants, dedicating our thoughts, energy, and efforts to the Indonesian people. If we believe we are no longer able to bear such responsibilities, we must recognize our limitations and step down from our positions. However, as long as we remain capable of carrying this mandate and are entrused with the honor of serving the public, we must work in the interest of the people, the nation, and the people.

That being said, today is a delightful day for me. It is a day of pride, because our nation remains orderly and continues to make progress—perhaps not in extraordinary leaps, but steadily, step by step. Five to six years ago, or ten years ago, who would have imagined we could develop a transportation system like this? Here in Manggarai, we have the LRT, the commuter line, Transjakarta, Transjabodetabek, and the airport rail link. This station will serve as an integrated transportation hub. Housing for low-income communities will be developed here. As the Governor has stated, Jakarta’s economy is growing in economy: companies that  previously faced difficulties have recovered, while investment has increased significantly.

This achievement shows that the country will advance if leaders can and want to cooperate and work together hand in hand. I am sure that soon, Indonesia, despite all its problems, will rise, and we will move toward the ideals of our nation’s founders.Allow me to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all partiss that have made this possible. Earlier, the Governor expressed hope that Danantara will support this effort because Jakarta does not belong only to those living in Jakarta but all citizens.

I have already said that, within the next week or two, I will convene a meeting with all governors, regents, and members of Regional People’s Representative Council across Indonesia to launch the Indonesia ASRI Movement. ASRI stands for Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful Indonesia. We must bring this initiative to fruition. If possible, we should begin with Jakarta. Jakarta must become a green city, a garden city.

If possible, all large buildings should feature vertical gardens at the initiative of the building owners. If they face difficulties, the regional government will step in. If the regional government feels it is necessary, the Central Government will step in. The transformation will start from Jakarta, and will be expanded to all provincial and regency capitals. Indonesia must undergo a transformation. Eliminate waste, and clean up the rivers using technology and other means. Earlier, the Governor reported that many water retention basins are clean now. Furthermore, his plan is to build jogging tracks, parks, and so on. I highly support this.

That concludes my remarks. I would not speak for too long. Once again, congratulation. I must admit that we have a great governor and vice governor even though he is not from my party. But this should encourage other parties to deliver the best efforts, right?

Thank you and congratulation, Pak Pramono, and Pak Rano. Congratulation. I am very happy today. It is an unforgettable moment to ride the LRT. Let me conclude this event with a pantun.

Taking the LRT to Manggarai line,
Stopping briefly at Kelapa Gading,
With modern transit, Jakarta will shine,
Strong connectivity keeps us competing.

Watching the sun as the morning breaks,
Riding the train to the city center.
Advanced transportation, what a joy it makes,
A thriving Indonesia for all to enter!

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. By the grace of the Almighty, on this afternoon, Wednesday, 16 September 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby officiate the LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading–Manggarai line. (RAS/MEP)