Cheap Streets in Jakarta Part 3 - Just Menong

In late 2024, Zauji realized our agenda was for cheap sightseeing in Jakarta and visiting several places with a minimalist budget. 

Integrated Mode (MRT)

After visiting the Istiqlal Mosque and the National Monument, we went back to the hotel to check in. For the return trip, we chose the mode of transportation, MRT. From Monas, we walked to the nearest stop. I again noticed a row of offices that were across from the Monas, such as the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. 

Officers directed us to take the route to Bunderan Hotel Indonesia (HI) Station, which is 3.6 km away. Because it is still in working hours, the waiting room of Transjakarta looks empty. We waited not too long. This time I sat next to the window while Zauji stood by me.

Along the way, we passed by several department offices. I imagined that the minister had never sat in the office. We arrived at the Bunderan Hotel Indonesia stop that turned out to be connected to the MRT station.

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This is the first time we both have taken the MRT after previously trying to ride the KRL (Electric Rail Train) from Depok to Ragunan and the LRT (Light Railway Transportation) while walking in Palembang City.

Mass Rapid Transit or Integrated Greater Mode Jakarta, was built in 2013, and the 16 km-long phase 1 line began operations on March 24, 2019. MRT management is under the Regional Owned Enterprises (SOE) of DKI Jakarta and serves the Lebak Bulus–Bunderan HI line with 13 stops. 

With a speed of 100 km/h, no wonder if the trip between stations feels very short. The MRT line is divided into 2, namely 10 km through the kite and 6 km through the underground path. Phase 2 is currently being developed. 

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Underan HI MRT Station is underground with a downward staircase that is fairly steep and certainly makes it difficult for Menong friends who have problems with their feet. As usual, we do tap in using an e-money card with a ticket price of Rp. 6,000 per person. MRT rates will differ depending on mileage.

Bunderan HI - Senayan

The waiting room looks quiet, and there are only a few people. I admire this station, and it feels like I'm in the movies. In the waiting room, we are confused because we do not know which gate we have to choose from the two gates available. Zauji read the route on the wall but was still not sure of our choice to be on the right gate. We couldn't ask because there were no officers on guard. 

Soon the MRT came to our left gate. Despite hesitation, Zauji finally asked the officer, who directed us to immediately climb. It turns out that both gates we can choose to stop at are Senayan station near the hotel we are going to. 

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I went up happily because the MRT ride never crossed my mind (maybe because I didn’t update with something like this). Unbeknownst to me, knowing Zauji secretly noticed me sitting quietly without leaning back into a chair along the way.

Unlike the LRT that we can enjoy while looking at the beauty of the city of Palembang from above, there is no sight that Menong friends can see because the position of the MRT route Bunderan HI-Senayan is underground. 

Finally we arrived at Senayan station, which is located not far from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemdikdasmen), which we saw when we first arrived in Jakarta. We saw a signpost with directions to the Kemdikdamen canteen, which was allowed for the public.

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Eat Afternoon

Since our stomach had not been filled with rice, we decided to eat in the afternoon meal in the canteen of the Ministry of Education and Culture after previously asking permission from the security. The cafeteria in this parking area looks spacious, with a row of food vendors neatly arranged. The atmosphere is relatively quiet because the clock has shown 15.00 WIB.

We chose the grilled chicken menu and the grilled chicken with rujak seasoning menu at a price of Rp. 22,000 per serving plus warm oranges for Rp. 10,000. It's pretty cheap and tastes so good. We are also with the canteen guard, Father, who told me that the new minister often also had lunch in this place. In addition to Kemdikdasmen employees, many guests from various regions stopped here. 

After eating, we walked to the hotel located not far from the Ministry of Education and Culture. Although tired, Zauji and I are very happy because they can finally realize cheap streets in Jakarta with a minimalist budget.