On 2 January 1899, the first part was opened between Batavia Zuid (Jakarta Kota) and Tangerang.
Until 12 September 1923, this line started from Batavia Zuid, headed west across the street via Pasar Pagi (current day Petongkangan street), turned south to Angke after which the railway followed the current route via Duri.
Due to the narrow streets downtown, the new railway from 1923 went around the city on partially elevated tracks.
Because of the higher costs however, the line was to go east to Kampung Bandan after which trains would have to revert onto the new railway going northwest around the old downtown area.
[1] The railway stretch from Duri to Rangkasbitung was completed on 1 October 1899, to Serang on 1 July 1900, and the final extension to Anyer Kidul on 20 December 1900.