"I am delighted that the project has led to transfer of knowledge and technology to us. Thus, the project has imparted knowledge on the latest developments in science for the construction of tunnels for MRT to the Indonesian experts and engineers," Jokowi affirmed here on Thursday.
The president claimed that the work on the MRT project was proceeding according to schedule.
"Today, the workers are drilling the ground at a depth of 12 meters. On an average, they can drill up to eight meters daily to make way for the initial MRT tunnel," Jokowi added.
He hoped the MRT project would be completed on schedule.
Several high-ranking officials, such as Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and MRT Director Dono Bustami accompanied Jokowi to review the progress achieved in the MRT project.
The tunnel from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to Indonesian Hotel Square in Central Jakarta for the MRT project is being built by digging the soil using a special tunnel boring machine (TBM).
The excavated soil from the drilling activity will then be moved to a land disposal site in Jakarta.
The Jakarta government is building the MRT project to improve public mass transportation facilities that can decrease traffic jams in the capital city.
During the launch of a TBM for the MRT project in South Jakarta on September 21, Jokowi emphasized that the project had to be implemented immediately in order to reduce costs and maximize benefits.
The first TBM called "Antareja" had commenced digging operations in the Senayan Statue area towards Setiabudi point.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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