Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) riding the Jakarta elevated railway, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), from its station at Hotel Indonesia roundabout to Lebak Bulus on Tuesday saying the mass transport system would be operational in March 2019.

"We have tried together the MRT from Hotel Indonesia roundabout to Lebak Bulus covering a distance of 16 kilometers," Jokowi said as if to ensure that the system would be ready for operation early next year.

He said the project has been 97 percent completed and it should be fully completed early next year.

Riding the elevated railway together with the head of state were Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Chief Executive of PT MRT Jakarta William Sabandar, and Chairman of the Jakarta legislative assembly Prasetyo Edi Marsudi.

Jokowi expressed satisfaction and convenience saying there was no noise during the short ride at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour.

The president said he hoped the second phase of construction for the route from Hotel Indonesia roundabout station to Ancol in northern part of the capital city could start next year.

Reporting by Hanni Sofia
Editing by A Saragih,Rahmad

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