Jakarta. MRT Jakarta evacuated at least 524 passengers on Thursday after a large fallen tree disrupted train operations in the Senayan area of South Jakarta, forcing emergency procedures and severely limiting service across the network.

The incident occurred around midday when a massive tree collapsed onto the transition track between Senayan Mastercard Station and ASEAN Station, damaging part of the protective structure and striking sections of the overhead power system that supplies electricity to the trains.

“The disruption occurred due to a fallen tree that caused structural damage and interference to the electrical network, resulting in a halt in MRT Jakarta operations,” Rendy Primartantyo, Corporate Secretary Division Head of MRT Jakarta, said in a statement. He apologized for the incident and stressed that “passenger safety remains the company’s top priority.”

The fallen tree caused significant damage to the track cover above Sisingamangaraja Road in Kebayoran Baru. The metal structure was visibly dented, with broken frames, branches, and leaves scattered across the site. Officials suspected the incident was triggered by strong winds earlier in the day. The collapse also coincided with a separate electrical fault affecting MRT operations from the morning, compounding disruption across the system.

Emergency response teams were deployed from early morning to assess structural integrity, repair the overhead catenary system, clear debris, and secure the affected area. A truck loaded with large pieces of the fallen trunk was stationed on the roadside, while firefighters used chainsaws to cut the tree into smaller sections. Their work created loud bursts of noise amid already congested traffic, as the incident caused long congestion in one of Jakarta’s busiest corridors.

The tree also damaged part of the perimeter fence of the nearby Ministry of Foreign Affairs complex, with its roots reportedly ripped out entirely.

As repairs continued, MRT Jakarta implemented a limited-service route, operating only between Blok M BCA Station and Lebak Bulus Station. Only four train sets were deemed safe to run on unaffected tracks, leaving several central stations temporarily closed. The disruption forced many commuters to reconsider their travel plans during the busy midday and afternoon hours.

The company urged passengers to use alternative modes of public transport, including TransJakarta buses, commuter rail services, or other available options, while updates on repairs and service normalization are being issued regularly through MRT Jakarta’s official channels.

Traffic police opened part of a concrete divider to allow motorcyclists to pass and ease congestion, while some drivers entered the TransJakarta bus lane to escape gridlock.

As of Thursday afternoon, MRT Jakarta’s technical teams have restore full service. 

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