TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called on PT MRT Jakarta to promote the use of the city’s mass rapid transit (MRT) system to the public, including disseminating info on the impacts of its construction process that would exacerbate the capital’s traffic congestion, at the ground-breaking ceremony of the MRT project in Dukuh Atas, Central Jakarta, yesterday.
“So when the construction finishes, the people will use it,” Jokowi said. The former Solo mayor has also called for a campaign promoting a mass-transport lifestyle. “So they are willing to leave their cars, which have caused traffic jams in Jakarta,” he said.
PT MRT Jakarta president director Dono Boestami said his company had provided information to the public about the impacts of the MRT construction through pamphlets and banners on a number of streets. He said PT MRT Jakarta had cooperated with the Jakarta Transportation Agency and the Jakarta Traffic Police to cope with imminent gridlocks during the construction.
The rail-based MRT system in the capital will measure 110.8 kilometers in length, with the first stage of its construction taking place in Lebak Bulus to Hotel Indonesia traffic circle. The construction of the 23.8 kilometer-long railway spends around 125 billion yen.
ANGGRITA DESYANI | ALI ANWAR