Jakarta. The Jakarta administration on Wednesday began dismantling long-abandoned monorail pillars that have stood for more than two decades along Rasuna Said Road in South Jakarta, a move aimed at easing traffic and improving the city’s urban landscape.

Governor Pramono Anung led the operation, accompanied by former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso, under whose administration the Jakarta monorail project was launched in 2004.

“Today we are starting the restructuring of Rasuna Said Road by cutting down monorail pillars that have remained unfinished for 22 years,” Pramono told reporters.

He said the demolition process had gone through extensive preparation and was carried out with oversight from law enforcement agencies to prevent future legal complications.

“I would like to specifically thank the Jakarta chief prosecutor for his full support, as well as the Corruption Eradication Commission, because I have also formally reported this process to the commission to ensure there will be no legal issues later,” Pramono said.

The governor stressed that the cost of dismantling the monorail pillars was relatively small compared with the broader redevelopment project for the area, pushing back against public misconceptions about the budget.

“The cost of dismantling the pillars is only Rp 254 million. The Rp 100 billion figure often mentioned is not for cutting the pillars, but for the overall area redevelopment,” he said.

The roughly Rp 100 billion ($5.9 million) budget covers a comprehensive revamp of Rasuna Said Road, including roadworks, drainage improvements, green spaces, and pedestrian facilities.

A total of 109 monorail pillars stretch along the corridor and will be addressed as part of the project, with the aim of making the area more orderly, comfortable, and functional.

“I believe this restructuring will significantly improve Rasuna Said Road and, hopefully, help reduce traffic congestion,” Pramono said.

During the event, Pramono also expressed appreciation for Sutiyoso, commonly known as Bang Yos, acknowledging the former governor’s role in initiating the monorail project.

“These pillars were installed during Bang Yos’ era. He was deeply troubled that the project was never completed — not because of a lack of will, but because his term ended and policies changed,” Pramono said.

He added that resolving the long-stalled monorail project symbolized the Jakarta administration’s commitment to improving public infrastructure.

“Hopefully today marks a milestone showing that Jakarta is reorganizing itself to improve the public facilities it owns,” Pramono said.