Urine Odor, Narrow Gap, and 100-Meter Distance to Toilet Behind IRTI Monas Bus Stop

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The smell of urine was detected around the TransJakarta IRTI Monas Bus Stop in Central Jakarta on Saturday (19/9/2026).

The unpleasant odor grew stronger near the back of the building used as a resting area by TransJakarta tourism bus drivers and staff.

The location is just a few hundred meters from Jakarta's City Hall.

Behind the building is a narrow, relatively enclosed gap filled with soil, dry leaves, and some garbage.

Disruptive Odor

The urine smell was not only noticed by staff working in the vicinity, but also by pedestrians passing through.

One pedestrian, Febri (29), said the odor became strong as he approached the staff room.

"At first, I didn’t really pay attention when passing by, but as I got closer to the staff room, the smell became more noticeable. It made me feel nauseous," Febri said when met at the scene on Saturday.

According to Febri, the condition is quite disturbing because the path is frequently used by pedestrians and located in a busy public area.

Febri did not witness anyone urinating there directly.

However, he said the fenced-off and tree-covered back area of the building might be used as an unofficial urination spot.

"If people really are urinating carelessly, maybe there should be a public announcement or supervision. If the toilets are far, clear directions could help people know where to go," he added.

Another pedestrian, Rohiya (30), also detected the urine smell when passing by the back area of the staff room.

She noticed a narrow hidden space between the fence and the trees. She said this condition could encourage people to urinate there without being easily seen.

However, Rohiya did not personally know who was responsible for the activity.

"If the toilets are far away or people don’t know their location, some might choose to urinate anywhere. But regardless, they should not urinate in public areas," she said.

KOMPAS.com/LIDIA PRATAMA FEBRIAN TransJakarta cleaning staff cleaning the urine-smelling area near the IRTI Monas Bus Stop, Central Jakarta, Saturday (19/9/2026).

Not a New Smell

For TransJakarta staff, the urine odor is not a newly emerging issue.

Andriansa, a TransJakarta tourism bus staff member, said the unpleasant smell has been noticeable for several weeks.

"We’ve been noticing this for several weeks now. Because this is our workplace, our container. Since we sit here, we have smelled it for some time," Andriansa said at the location on Saturday.

He explained the condition is bothersome as the building serves as a resting and eating area for the staff.

"They usually complain because this is a container, a resting place for drivers and staff. It’s also a place to eat. So, as staff, we do smell a very unpleasant odor," he explained.

Scented Sprays Used

While Kompas.com was on site, Andriansa and several TransJakarta cleaning staff were addressing the odor issue.

A staff member was seen carrying a jerrycan filled with a scented liquid, pouring it around the back of the staff room where the urine smell was strong.

Andriansa said the area is routinely cleaned. Fragrances and disinfectants are applied to reduce the odor.

However, these measures have not fully eliminated the urine smell, which returns especially when the area hasn’t been rained on.

"We consistently pour, clean, and pour again. But since there hasn’t been rain, it’s still difficult. We’re really puzzled," he said.

Gap Sealed Off

Staff have also attempted to prevent people from urinating behind the building.

The rear section has been closed off using wooden slats and metal rods, although some gaps remain large enough for a person to pass through.

"That’s why we closed the back. We put wood and metal bars there to block it because there’s a gap behind the trees," Andriansa explained.

This effort is based on suspicions that the area behind the building and trees is being used for urination.

However, staff have yet to identify who is responsible.

Toilets About 100 Meters Away

Andriansa noted that toilet access is one of the issues around the site.

The nearest toilet is inside the Monas area, approximately 100 meters from the staff room.

"Inside Monas, probably on the path in the middle, about 100 meters away," he said.

Still, Andriansa emphasized that the building behind the bus stop is not a public toilet.

The structure is designated for resting, eating, and waiting for duty time by drivers and staff of TransJakarta tourism buses.

Who Is Responsible?

Although the urine smell has been present for weeks, staff have yet to identify those suspected of urinating in the area.

They are also unsure whether the smell is caused by a single person or repeated acts by several individuals.

"It’s hard for us because we haven’t found out who the culprits are. We don’t want to make mistakes. We can’t monitor everywhere," Andriansa said.

Monitoring is also difficult since there are no CCTV cameras around the vicinity.

"Because there’s no CCTV here, it makes it challenging," he added.

For now, staff continue to clean and spray the area while keeping the back of the building closed off.

They also urge the public visiting Monas to maintain cleanliness and avoid using open spaces near public facilities as urination spots.

"Monas is a tourist spot. So we keep reminding people. But we’re afraid some might feel offended. We’ll just wait and try to find out who the culprits are," he said.