"With the increasing choice of mass transportation, we hope more people will switch to use it," he added.
The minister also emphasized his commitment to continue improving mass transportation facilities, including completing the mass rapid transit (MRT) project on time in collaboration with the DKI Jakarta provincial government.
He said that the construction of MRT Phase 2 is a National Strategic Project (PSN). MRT Phase 2 is a continuation of the North-South Corridor Phase 1, which has been operational since 2019, he added. MRT Phase 2 construction has been divided into two stages: Phase 2A and 2B.
Phase 2A will connect the HI Roundabout - Kota for 5.8 kilometers and link seven stations, namely Thamrin, Monas, Harmoni, Sawah Besar, Mangga Besar, Glodok and, Kota.
Meanwhile, Phase 2B comprises the development of two underground stations, namely Mangga Dua and Ancol, as well as one depot in West Ancol, with a total track length of 6 km.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the construction of MRT Phase 2A is progressing well and has exceeded the planned target.
"From the planning target of 27 percent, now it has reached 28.4 percent. It is above the target," he noted during his review of MRT Phase 2A construction on Friday.
He stated that the MRT project is not easy since it is being carried out amid busy traffic in the city.
The President is targeting that Phase 2A will become fully operational by 2027. After that, work on Phase 2B will begin.
Regarding the plan to build the MRT from east to west, Widodo said that the plan is still being discussed and will be decided after some calculations and studies.
"If all the study and calculations have been completed, we will immediately decide. Because Jakarta needs integrated mass transportation, not the one that stands alone," he added.
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Translator: Adimas Raditya F P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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