Jokowi And Former Japanese Minister Reviewing MRT Project

Jakarta Governor, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo accompanied with former Japanese Prime Minister, Yasuo Fukuda, are reviewing the construction process of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in the HI Roundabout, precisely in front of the Pullman Hotel, Jalan MH Thmarin, Central Jakarta, Monday (9/1).

We want to discuss investments in Indonesia, either marine, railway, or MRT infrastructure. And we want to see the MRT construction in the field. He (Mr. Fukuda) is fully supporting it (MRT construction)

Both who also serve as Head of Japanese-Indonesian Association are observing the construction of an MRT's underground station. Its construction has entered on the stage of the casting wall. They did it about ten minutes.

MRT Project, Traffic in Istora and Karet Engineered

"We want to discuss investments in Indonesia, either marine, railway, or MRT infrastructure. And we want to see the MRT construction in the field. He (Mr. Fukuda) is fully supporting it (MRT construction)," said Jokowi.

To further strengthen bilateral relations, Jokowi revealed, Japan promised to strengthen cooperation in the economic sector. By so, the Japanese investment is expected to be even greater. "Especially from Japan, they want us to strengthen the industry, energy, marine and rail infrastructure," he explained.

Fukuda added that Japanese investment in infrastructure sector in Indonesia would not only be prioritized in Jakarta, but spread to all over Indonesia. "The project doesn't for Jakarta development, but throughout Indonesia," he uttered.

As known, MRT project is divided into two stages. First is Lebak Bulus-HI Roundabout route (9.8 kilometers) which has been ongoing since October 2013 with a target completion in 2017. In its realization, Japan allocated Rp 14,3 trillion.

Second is HI Roundabout-Kampung Badan (5.9 kilometers) will be built in 2017 and be targeted to be done in 2020. The construction fund will spend Rp 13 trillion.