Rano Karno Tries Open Dining of Jakarta, Shares His Culinary Tourism Experience Aboard the Bus.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is offering a new tourism experience: enjoying good food while touring around the capital city. Through the Open Dining of Jakarta service, visitors will dine aboard a dedicated bus while taking in panoramic views of Jakarta from late afternoon until nightfall.

DKI Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has tested this culinary tourism concept, which remains in the trial phase before public launch.

According to Rano, the on-board dining experience shifts along the route. He noted that road surfaces in the Harmoni district are far smoother compared to Kota Tua, creating a much more comfortable dining environment.

For this reason, Western-style dishes including steak and pasta are selected for the menu, as these foods are practical to consume during a moving bus journey.

"Road infrastructure in Kota Tua is not smooth yet. But once we enter Harmoni, the ride becomes very pleasant. We cannot serve local dishes like soto betawi here, it would spill and make a mess. That is why we serve steak, pasta, these western-style meals," stated Rano during the trial in Jakarta.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government targets this service to commence official operations in early August 2026.

"This is only an initial trial. Public access will open around early August 2026. We scheduled departures for late afternoon, so passengers can enjoy the natural and artificial lighting transition. Tours will run from 4 PM until 9 PM," explained Rano.

This operating window was selected specifically to let passengers experience the full atmospheric shift of Jakarta: from golden sunset glow, through twilight, to the full sparkle of the city's night lights.

The tour route departs from the historic Kota Tua district and terminates at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout, combining historical heritage sightseeing with views of Jakarta's modern cityscape.

Rano expressed confidence this tourism concept will receive positive public reception, particularly once ongoing revitalization works in the Harmoni district are completed.

"We only have one bus for this trial period. We will evaluate the response first, but I am certain public interest will be high. This will improve even more once Harmoni roads are fully repaired. We also have plans to revitalize the Harmoni riverfront, add public parks, and upgrade the entire area ambiance," added Rano.

Meanwhile, PT Transjakarta President Director Welfizon Yuza confirmed that Open Dining of Jakarta will operate 2 to 3 daily trips, with a maximum passenger capacity of 30 people per journey.

The service will accept individual bookings, and will also be available for private charter for group events or special occasions.

Priced at IDR 500,000 per person, the ticket includes a complete meal package consisting of appetizer, main course, and dessert.

"Passengers will also enjoy live violin performances during the entire journey, along with guided narration about the history of districts passed and the background story behind each menu item," explained Welfizon.

This concept is designed as a new urban tourism alternative that delivers a unique integrated experience, combining dining, live entertainment, and Jakarta historical exploration within a single journey.