Experience Riding Open-Top Bus Amidst Jakarta's Historic Buildings

Jakarta, long known as a bustling city with towering skyscrapers, now offers a new way to experience it. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has officially launched a city sightseeing service using open-top double-decker buses called "Open Top Tour of Jakarta." 

This time, the chosen route doesn't just showcase the capital's modernity, but also traces its history and culture through a new route named "Jakarta Heritage".

This route connects several historical points, starting from the Filateli Building, Pasar Baru, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Art Building), Banteng Square, Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, to the State Palace. 

The selection of these destinations is not without reason; it aims to highlight the city's heritage often overlooked amidst the daily hustle.

"With this service, residents and tourists can experience touring Jakarta in a more memorable and comfortable way," said Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno during the launch at Pos Bloc, Central Jakarta, Thursday, October 2, 2025.

This program, initiated by Transjakarta, is not merely a mode of transport but also a strategy to strengthen the city's image. The concept of urban tourism is presented so that public transportation can serve a dual purpose: facilitating mobility while also acting as a showcase of Jakarta's identity to the world.

"The launch of this route aligns with the spirit of commemorating World Tourism Day. This shows that Jakarta continues to transform into a global city that is tourist-friendly with modern, dynamic public transportation rich in history," said Rano.

Furthermore, he expressed hope that the Jakarta Heritage route could also revitalize the Pasar Baru area. Not just as an economic center, but also as a cultural space that records the pulse of the city's history. 

"Hopefully, this new route will further strengthen Jakarta's urban tourism and provide a memorable experience for anyone who enjoys it. Let us maintain and utilize this service to the best of our ability as an expression of our pride in the city of Jakarta," he added.

The presence of this new route complements the previous Jakarta Skyline open-top bus route, which highlighted the panorama of tall buildings along the Sudirman–MH Thamrin corridor. 

The difference is, Jakarta Heritage invites passengers to look back: tracing the stories of the past that helped shape Jakarta's face today.

For those interested in trying it, journey tickets can be booked via the Transjakarta app starting this Thursday. The inaugural bus will depart on October 6, 2025. 

Sitting on the open-top upper deck, residents and tourists now have a new way to enjoy Jakarta—an experience blending the comfort of modern transportation with the charm of the old city's history.(Antara)