Mobility as a Strategy for Transportation Optimization in the Growing Jakarta Metropolis The development of MaaS infrastructure in ASEAN cities using big data

The ultimate goal of this project is to increase the use of public transportation, which currently accounts for only 25% of use in Jakarta. The goals that the Indonesian government and the city of Jakarta are considering cannot be achieved simply by using MaaS technology to improve convenience. We are required to change their lifestyle from a car-centered society. Jakarta is already a metropolis with a population of 10 million. In addition, the development of commercial/industrial zones and bedroom towns is in full swing. There is a need for transportation reforms, including the creation of an environment in which people living in the suburbs can live satisfactorily in their own areas, and have smooth travel to and from the center of Jakarta. The foundation for this need is the concept of MaaS, and the creation of a custom-made system combining with Jakarta's uniqueness is in progress.

The Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT North-South Line) construction project, which opened in March 2019, is one of our achievements, but this was a hardware (infrastructure) construction project. Soft service implementation is also needed to further capitalize on this route. Therefore, we are working on business development to solve transportation issues based on the concept of MaaS, which is gaining recognition worldwide. Since we are not experts in local payment systems or in collecting big data, including personal information, we found a local partner for this project, fostered a cooperative relationship, and firstly created a path for us to focus on business promotion and business continuity.

We are also envisioning data analysis services for the Indonesian government, the city of Jakarta, and private companies such as real estate companies and transportation companies. By implementing our plans and proposals, we aim to help our stakeholders grow, improve the utilization rate of public transportation, and reduce the environmental burden. Our ultimate goal is to connect our infrastructure and construction technologies to a business that will contribute to people's comfort and happiness. While making full use of new digital technologies, we will contribute to the creation of affluent societies more reliably and quickly.

We had a difficult time in the beginning because we started something that had no precedent. Internally, how would the information obtained through partnerships with local settlement providers be linked to the current business, and externally, what would be the benefit of partnering with Nippon Koei as a consultant? By creating a solid story for the future and patiently explaining it, we were able to obtain cooperation from both inside and outside the company. In terms of ODA and other aspects, Nippon Koei is well known, and could be called a brand. However, once we stepped outside of that, we had to start from scratch. On the other hand, the hardships I faced have been worthwhile. Sometimes I struggle, but that is because we are in an area where no one else is doing it. When my idea seems to stagnate, I just move on and somehow manage it with my athletic background. As a result, I was able to create an environment where I could work with people of different nationalities, backgrounds, and expertise.

The time for the future is now. We have entered the stage of shaping what we can offer. A few years ago, as part of the company's overall policy, a department was established to create products that were different from conventional consulting services, and that is when I decided to step out of my field of expertise. At first, I was confused because the domestic department had a long history and a lot of work that could be completed in-house. Now I think I have gotten used to working with a variety of people inside and outside the company and moving forward while making connections. I am in the midst of a new and exciting project, but I always have a sense of crisis. As a professional engineer specializing in transportation, I would like to make this field stronger and more valuable. Maybe it is because the people around me are unique and wonderful. I feel that hard work and rewards are integrated.

This is my third year with this company. Until last year, I experienced transportation-related work at the Fukuoka branch, such as traffic congestion countermeasures, traffic accident countermeasures, and self-driving demonstrations. In my previous consulting work, I think we were required to work according to clear issues and specifications. But in this project, we can take on the challenge of creating the optimal environment through repeated trial and error after introduction, rather than just stopping at examining it. What I realized was that in addition to the skills of engineers, it is necessary to have a business perspective on what kind of value Nippon Koei can create. This is a great chance to learn from the experience of working with people of various nationalities. I really enjoy my work now that I have more opportunities to grow beyond what I had expected.

Same as Mr. Ishikawa, this year is also my third year. I have experience in consulting work to solve transportation problems. In fact, I have had almost no contact with foreign countries in my life before, and Jakarta is the first overseas city I have been involved in through work. When I was assigned for this project, I was once again surprised by the difference from Japan. The city and people are different. Of course, the transportation and scenery are different, and I have never experienced the way people think about transportation and the way they work. The number and types of people involved were so different that it was a challenge just to grasp each person's position and relationship. But the experience has more than made up for the hardship. I hope that my generation will expand the path that our seniors have pioneered. When I think that I am here because I am expected to do so, I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

I am particular about the composition of the team. I would like to increase the diversity of members’ nationalities and backgrounds as much as possible. It is more fun and definitely improves the amount of information and overall ability. Even for the Japanese, if possible, I would like to form a team of members with different careers. Because when we are thinking seriously, most of the time, the clash of opinions makes discussions more active. Our goal for the future is to have a track record that turns this vague term “smart city” into a clear statement: “This is our smart city.”

As we move forward with projects under this organization and content, we are strongly focused on improving the value and content of the transportation field. I want to strengthen the entire team involved in transportation and mobility. I think it would be great if the organization had the value of being a traffic specialist. By doing so, we will be able to work as self-sustaining with an awareness of the value we provide and the issues we need to solve. Our goal is to be an updated organization.

I am interested in public transportation and did research on it at university. I want to contribute to the creation of a society where people can live fully on bicycles, on foot, and on public transportation, rather than relying only on cars. Because I have had ideas similar to MaaS and smart cities for some time, I am so glad to be working on this project now, and I am aiming to realize this goal.

I am not yet at the stage where I can talk about my technical commitment, but I always think about "working hard every day" as my attitude toward my work. I also studied transportation and urban planning at university, so I want to become an expert in this field first. I hear that MaaS and smart cities are in a different realm from the traditional image of Nippon Koei, but by continuing, I would like to eventually make "This field is Nippon Koei's specialty" . We are now refining our technology to help people enjoy affluence and happiness.