TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Less than five months ahead of the Asian Games 2018, the construction of Light Rail Transit or LRT Kelapa Gading-Velodrome only reached 65.17 percent. It is certainly delayed from the initial target, which is April 2018.

“We are looking for a way so that the development can be accelerated,” said President Director of PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro), Satya Heragandhi when met at one of the development sites of LRT, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta on Saturday, March 10. PT Jakpro and PT Wijaya Karya are the contractors in the project.

He acknowledged that it has obstacles, especially after a moratorium on flyover construction by the Ministry of Public Works and People's Housing (PUPR) in late February.

Satya attended to accompany the Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno who reviewed the two infrastructure projects of Asian Games 2018. Both are the racetrack of Jakarta International Equestrian Park (JIEP) Pulomas, East Jakarta, and the LRT Kelapa Gading.

Although the groundbreaking has been started since the era of former Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok, the development was never finished. In fact, the 5.8-kilometer LRT line is fully funded by the Jakarta Regional Budget (APBD). LRT is also a means of transportation for the Asian Games athletes in August.

Satya remains optimistic the work will be completed before August. The first week and second of April, he said, the rolling stock has started to come. July, the first full operational LRT in Jakarta can be done.

Sandiaga Uno cautioned Satya about the time limit that has been set. However, he reminded the contractor to keep paying attention to the safety and security aspects. “Because it is not only for Jakarta but also risking the name of Indonesia,” he said.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO