Street Musicians Have a Space for Expression in Public Transportation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The MRT Community Corner program initiated by MRT Jakarta has become a space for street music communities to perform and express their creativity within public transportation areas. Every afternoon, MRT passengers passing through the Bundaran HI area can enjoy live music performances by Institut Musik Jalanan (IMJ).

Through the busking corner program, street musicians are given the opportunity to perform in a more organized public space that is easily accessible to the public. The music performances have become one of the attractions for passengers in MRT station areas.

According to MRT Jakarta’s Instagram account, the collaboration with Institut Musik Jalanan has been running since 2022. IMJ performances can be seen at several stations, including Bundaran HI, ASEAN Headquarters, Blok M, and Fatmawati.

While passing through the MRT Community Corner area, many MRT users stop for a moment to enjoy the musicians’ performances before continuing their journey home. The station atmosphere, usually filled with busy passenger activities, feels more lively with the presence of live music performances.

Besides serving as a space for artistic expression, the program also creates opportunities for street musicians to earn an income. Audiences can show appreciation for the performers through QRIS digital payments or cash donations provided at the venue.

One of IMJ’s members, Mr. Miskam, said he was happy to perform at MRT Community Corner. Through an Instagram post by Institut Musik Jalanan, he shared that the activity helps him earn income for his family while also providing a space to pursue his passion as a guitarist. He also enjoys the opportunity to perform and collaborate with other musicians in the MRT area.

The collaboration between MRT Jakarta and Institut Musik Jalanan shows that public transportation facilities can also function as spaces for creative communities. The program also provides wider access for street musicians to introduce their work to the public amid Jakarta’s urban activities.