At the outset, 2020 appeared to be a promising year for the city-owned public transportation company, PT MRT Jakarta. After its successful launch in March 2019, Indonesia’s first high-capacity public transit service quickly attracted the hearts of commuters in the capital city. It marked the manifestation of Jakartans’ long-awaited aspiration for a modern and reliable mass transportation as a partial answer to the city’s chaotic traffic, and MRT Jakarta had big projects and ambitious goals in mind for the year. After nearly one year of operating its first line, which spans 15.7 kilometers between Lebak Bulus Station in South Jakarta and Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia traffic circle) Station in Central Jakarta, the company booked Rp 60 billion (US$4.22 million) in 2019 profits, although the government subsidy made up most of its income. MRT Jakarta also recorded a...