A joint venture between Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Company and Indonesian state-owned firm Hutama Karya has signed a construction contract for part of the second phase of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit system.

The 4.6 trillion rupiah (US$320 million) contract includes the construction of a 1.4-kilometre tunnel between Mangga Besar and Kota Tua and two underground stations at Glodok and Kota. Construction work will start in September, with completion expected in 2027.

Phase 2A involves a 6.3-kilometre MRT line as part of the corridor from downtown Bundaran Hotel Indonesia to West Ancol. It is expected to be operational by 2028. Phase 2B has yet to be tendered.

“The construction of the Bundaran HI-Kota Tua line part of MRT Phase 2A will pay attention to the protection of cultural heritage sites while supporting the revitalization of areas with high historical and cultural value along the route in the context of urban regeneration," PT MRT Jakarta president William Sabandar said at the signing ceremony, which was attended by Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan and Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kanasugi Kenji.

Japan has been heavily involved in the Jakarta metro project. Phase-one contractors included Shimuzu Corp. Railcar manfacturer Nippon Sharyo and Sumitomo Corporation supplied the trains, which began running in March 2019.  

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided some of the financing for the phase-one north-south line. Financing for the phase-two extension northwards also includes a 70 billion yen (US$640 million) 40-year loan agreement signed between the Indonesian government and JICA. The Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) applies to the Japanese Official Development Assistance loan for the project.