TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo met with Deputy Transport Minister Bambang Susantono at the City Hall on Thursday, March 20, 2014 to discuss issues related to the capital’s traffic congestion.

Bambang said a string of topics were discussed during the talks, including the sterilization of TransJakarta bus lanes and the synchronization of the mega loop-line elevated railways. “The Presidential Working Unit for Supervision and Management of Development [UKP4] has asked us to coordinate with the Jakarta administration to combat gridlocks,” he said.

In connection with the sterilization of the TransJakarta bus lanes, Bambang said it would require sound coordination between the Jakarta administration and the Jakarta Traffic Police.

Bambang said the continuation of the elevated railway project would hinge on the condition of the construction site. “It has to go in line with the city’s spatial planning and the patterns of property construction in Jakarta,” he said.

Jokowi said the meeting aimed at synchronizing the central government’s programs with those of the capital administration and he was set to earmark the required funds. “I can do it, but it depends on the Jakarta Provincial Legislative Council,” he added.

NINIS CHAIRUNNISA