TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked the Jakarta government to start the construction of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Jakarta East – West corridor this year.

"This year, in parallel with the second phase MRT construction for HI traffic circle-Kota section, I hope the East – West corridor can also be started," President Joko Widodo said at the inauguration of the first phase of Jakarta's MRT routing Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Lebak Bulus in Jakarta on Sunday.

The second phase construction of MRT would connect Hotel Indonesia (HI) traffic circle to Ancol in North Jakarta. While the East – West corridor would connect Cikarang to Balaraja.

Read also: Jakartans Proud of the City's First MRT

On the occasion, the president has also launched the second phase construction of MRT that covers a 8.7-kilometer long track from HI traffic circle to Kota.

The operation of MRT Jakarta, he noted, would mark a new era of transportation in the capital city.

"For those who have yet to try the MRT, please try it for free," the president said.

Jokowi has also called on MRT users not to litter at the station or in the train and practising self-discipline by not vandalizing the train, arrive on time, and queue.

"Please keep it clean," he said.

The President also expected that the construction of Greater Jakarta light rail transit (LRT), especially those connecting Depok, Bekasi to Jakarta, could be completed by the end of 2019.

ANTARA