…communities around D.I. Pandjaitan Street should prepare (because) we are doing physical development.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono has asked the East Jakarta city administration to tell residents who will be affected by the Halim Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Station project to prepare for the start of construction.

"We have informed (about the construction) through the East Jakarta Mayor, and it is still under process at the National Land Agency (BPN), so communities around D.I. Pandjaitan Street should prepare (because) we are doing physical development," Hartono said here on Friday.

He assured that his ministry will ensure the smooth progress of the station project, which is expected to become a hub connecting the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (KCJB) and Greater Jakarta LRT.

"The concept includes, for instance, from Bogor to (transfer at) Halim here. Jakarta provincial assistant for development will communicate with state-owned toll road operator Jasa Marga about the connection (transportation mode integration)," he informed.

He expressed optimism that the community will benefit from the project, which is expected to finish on time.

According to him, with the Halim station, the number of commuters traveling to Jakarta using private transportation will decline as people switch to public transportation instead.

"All parties need to support this as this is the golden time until October 2023. Hopefully, it can be (completed) on time and the results can reduce congestion in the city," the acting governor said.

In the same press statement, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi praised the steps taken by Hartono, who, he said, carried out intensive coordination with several parties to support the project.

"President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has emphasized that Indonesia must improve its urban mass transit and intercity mass transit capabilities," Sumadi said.

More than 50 percent of the Greater Jakarta LRT components have been produced domestically, he highlighted.

Meanwhile, LRT construction is also a priority program of the Jakarta provincial government for easing traffic congestion in the capital city.

The LRT project in Jakarta is expected to be a benchmark of Indonesia's success in mass transportation development.

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Translator: Redemptus S, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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