Background and Summary

IC ticketing at Kereta Commuter Indonesia (“KCI”) was first implemented 2013. Back then it was based on another technology, but in 2015 it was converted to Sony FeliCa. Since then, KCI has used Sony FeliCa for its stored-fare type ticketing (Kartu Multi Trip; “KMT”), supporting one million daily passengers.

It is a common challenge for transport operators to handle the ticketing for large numbers of passengers accurately and safely while providing further convenience. With its fast and reliable transactions, flexible form factors and scalability of its service, Sony FeliCa continues to support KCI and its passengers’ daily lives in Greater Jakarta Megacity.

Why has FeliCa been Adopted?

The high-speed performance of FeliCa was one of the key factors in KCI deciding to adopt Sony FeliCa. Sony FeliCa technology can process a transaction from card detection to data read/write within 0.1 seconds and realize fast transaction time, even with business logic and hardware control (e.g., to open the gate to allow passage). Also, the fact that Sony FeliCa technology had proven itself in Japan and Hong Kong for handling large numbers of passengers with interoperable and multi-purpose services (such as retail use) encouraged KCI to adopt Sony FeliCa.

Various Form Factors

There is another reason why KCI uses FeliCa: that is, the availability of various form factors. From time to time, KCI issues specially designed cards and non-card shaped tickets, such as key fobs and wristbands. Cooperation with the local Sony FeliCa partners enables this kind of flexible marketing for KCI with affordable cost and reliability.

Further Plan to Expand Sony FeliCa KMT

KCI has designated several stations as “Special Electronic Money Station (Stasiun Khusus Uang Electronik)”, where they have stopped selling single trip tickets to avoid queueing at the ticket vending machines, reduce the number of cash transactions and to promote the use of KMT. KCI intends to expand this Special Electronic Money Station to all its stations in 2021.

KCI plans to collaborate with other transport operators so that KMT can be accepted as an interoperable ticket. As of March 2021, KMT can be used in KCI Jakarta as well as in KCI Yogyakarta and Airport Train Railink in Jakarta. In the near future, KMT is going to be accepted for more transport modes.

Apart from transport, KCI intends to expand the use of KMT to merchants, parking operators and potentially to other purposes. With these expansions, KMT, based on Sony FeliCa technology, will provide an essential and more convenient service to Jakarta citizens.