After eight years being neglected, the construction works of Depok-Antasari (Desari) toll on Jalan Simatupang, South Jakarta, is finally started, Thursday (5/8). The toll that connects Jakarta, Depok, and Bogor is expected to be a solution for traffic jam which often happens on those border areas.

In South Jakarta, the area used for this toll road construction project is three-kilometer. Hopefully, this toll could reduce traffic jam on Jalan Fatmawati, TB Simatupang, Antasari, and surrounding

General Director of Public Works Ministry Service for Bridge and Road Construction (Bina Marga), Djoko Murjanto, stated this is the first stage of the construction of toll road that connects Antasari to Sawangan as long as 12 kilometers. This project is a proof to the public that the process of land acquisition, which has been conducted for seven years, is for public’s needs.

“Do not let the society give perception that this land acquisition is used for private needs. Roads addition is in line with the efforts done by government which at the same time holds mass transportation procurement. Indeed, only 70 percent of land lots acquisitioned. But hopefully, the residents would willing their land lots acquired as fast as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Jakarta Mayor, Syamsuddin Noor, told there are 22 hectares of land lots as long as three kilometers affected by the land acquisition.

“In South Jakarta, the area used for this toll road construction project is three-kilometer. Hopefully, this toll could reduce traffic jam on Jalan Fatmawati, TB Simatupang, Antasari, and surrounding,” he expressed.

The Depok-Antasari-Bogor toll road will be stretching for 21.5 kilometers long. Its first stage is 12-kilometer long from Antasari-Sawangan, with budget reaching Rp 3.4 trillion for land acquisition and construction costs. It is targeted that the first stage of Desari toll road to be operated in 2016.