Jakarta -The construction of the Jabodebek light rail transit (LRT) is almost complete. Currently, the construction has reached 84.6 percent. The target is that this LRT can operate in 2022.

"Hopefully this LRT can be operated next year. Some of the facilities and infrastructure have been completed. We want to prepare it with sufficient time, to carry out dynamic tests. The safety aspect is very important for mass transportation in Indonesia," said Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi when visiting the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) LRT Station, Jakarta, this afternoon (Tuesday, 8/6).

Minister Budi was accompanied by the President Director of PT KAI Didiek Hartantyo, the President Director of Adhi Karya Entus Asnawi Mukhson, and a number of related officials. The Minister of Transportation also had time to try the LRT directly from TMII Station to Harjamukti Station, Cibubur. Then, with the same route back to TMII Station. Minister Budi wanted to check the readiness of the Jabodebek LRT, which is planned to be viewed by President Joko Widodo tomorrow. (Wednesday, 9/6).

The construction of the Jabodebek LRT is part of the government's efforts to solve traffic problems in urban areas, especially in Jakarta and its surroundings.

"Not only that, but the construction of this LRT also provides an opportunity for the nation's youth to learn the technology of rail mass transportation," said the Minister of Transportation.

The construction of the Jabodebek LRT phase 1 consists of several tracks. The details are, first, the Cawang-Cibubur route is 14.8 kilometers long, which currently has 93.8% completed. Second, the 11-kilometer Cawang-Dukuh Atas route, which is currently 84.3% finished. And, thirdly, the 18.4-kilometer Cawang-East Bekasi route, which is currently 90.9% completed.

Besides these three tracks, the Jabodebek LRT Depot located in East Bekasi is currently under construction. Its construction has 44.1% finished.

The Jabodebek LRT will have 18 stopping stations. Under normal conditions, one LRT series can accommodate 740 passengers. In crowded conditions, it can accommodate 1,308 passengers. The maximum speed can reach 80 kilometers per hour.

Some of the advantages of LRT include, the travel time can be faster than private vehicles or buses. The LRT can take the route from East Bekasi to Dukuh Atas in 45 minutes. Meanwhile, from Cibubur to Dukuh Atas, the travel time is only 39 minutes. (GD/RDL/LA/JD)