"We are expecting more people to start opting for means of mass transportation facilities, thereby reducing the use of private cars and improving the air quality in Jabodebek," she remarked during the LRT inauguration broadcast virtually by the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel in Jakarta on Monday.
The minister expressed optimism that the existence of the LRT would boost interregional connectivity among communities in Jabodebek.
Mulyani remarked that the government has been exerting significant efforts to develop the LRT to provide an integrated, safe, and punctual mass transportation system to the people of Jakarta and the surrounding regions.
The Jabodebek LRT that constitutes a project of collaboration between three state-owned enterprises (SOEs) -- PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA), and Adhi Karya -- is automatically run by an operation control center (OCC).
Regarding automation, Minister Mulyani highlighted that the application of reliable technology can help the government to ensure and maintain the safety, security, and punctuality of LRT services.
"I am enthusiastic and nervous at the same time, since personally, I had always boarded trains with an actual driver operating them," she stated.
According to Mulyani, the operating system of the Jabodebek LRT will demonstrate to the Indonesian nation that technology can be optimized to solve problems in society.
The minister then noted that infrastructures for mass transportation are instrumental in handling the high mobility in the Jabodebek area.
"Through the APBN (State Budget), the government will always provide support (to infrastructure development efforts) by collaborating with SOEs or directly transfer budgets to regional governments," she noted.
The state treasurer also affirmed that the government will allocate a portion of the budget to subsidize the tickets of mass transportation.
"I hope that we can collectively maintain this (LRT), as I believe that it can lead Indonesia to more advancements," she stated.
Related news: President Jokowi inaugurates operationalization of Jabodebek LRT
Related news: Greater Jakarta LRT to start serving passengers from Aug 28
Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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