TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is set to ratify a memorandum of understanding with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) after August the 17th upon constructing a semi-fast train connecting each end of the Java Island from Jakarta to Surabaya.

"The MoU will be done thoroughly. Engineers from Japan will do a feasibility study in regards of moving existing streets, the elevation, and designs of where the stations would be built, etc,” said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Monday, August 5.

According to the minister, Japan will also be calculating the budget needed to construct one of the island’s ambitious project that is planned to commence in 2020. The train is expected to be able to transport people between the two major cities under 7 hours.

Budi Karya says that the construction will need at least Rp60 trillion despite JICA mentioning it has prepared Rp90 trillion investment. The fund, said the minister, will be lent from Japan while the land itself will be arranged by the Indonesian government.

“We will try to have the project spend not far from Rp60 trillion, however, we will in fact construct it gradually,” said the Minister.

As for the railways, a new set of tracks will be built connecting Jakarta to Semarang while Semarang-Surabaya will utilize the existing railway that is strengthened and adapted to the high-speed nature of the upcoming fast train. It is planned to travel at an average speed of 145 kilometers an hour, which will be able to reach a top speed of 160 kilometers an hour.

CAESAR AKBAR