Jakarta Vice Governor Basuki T Purnama asserted that the project of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) North-South route (Lebak Bulus-Kampung Bandan) will not be canceled. The statement is conveyed by Basuki to response the wish of some Fatmawati residents who want the MRT South-North route construction to be canceled due to wrong assessment.

MRT construction cannot be canceled because Jakarta needs two routes

Even so, Basuki admitted that the assessment done by Japan International Agency (JICA) about MRT Lebak Bulus-Kampung Bandan route construction is no longer appropriate with Jakarta’s at this time. But, it does not mean the route have to be canceled.

“MRT construction cannot be canceled because Jakarta needs two routes. But, if have to choose what to be prioritized, it should be the East-West route to be built first due to it is the most dense area,” he stated, Monday (5/5).

Previously, Basuki continued, the area passed by MRT South-North route was indeed dense. But after 20 years, the route should be built first is the East-West.

“However, the assessment of MRT East-West route does not exist until now,” he disclosed.

According to Basuki, the construction of MRT East-West route is more important if based on the growth of housing and vehicles in the city in these last few years.

“Especially since the south is already served by train loopline. As long as underpass and flyover built at every crossing, the train could serve the passengers every minute. Train with MRT are the same. The different is one is PT KJC, and the other one is PT MRT,” he said.