TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono inspected the Jakarta-Cikampek II elevated toll road on Tuesday night, December 10, to ensure that the 36.4-kilometer highway could be operational during Christmas and New Year holidays.

“If the President wants to inaugurate it on December 12, we will be ready. Because the road construction is already finished, not by force,” said Minister Basuki after the inspection.

Basuki explained that the toll road will be inaugurated by President Jokowi on December 12, and three days later, the public could use the new road. The three days will see road cleaning and installation of road signs.

“This must be cleaned, and we also have to complete the signs,” he said, adding that it will be operational before December 20.

Basuki went on to say that the toll project worth Rp16.3 trillion will meet for completion on Wednesday afternoon, and the report will be set to be sent to Cabinet Secretary. “I will make a report to Cabinet Secretary that [the toll road] is ready to be inaugurated.”

Previously, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the inauguration of Jakarta-Cikampek elevated toll road was scheduled on December 20 from initially set on December 15 due to incomplete construction works. However, the toll road will be opened functionally during Christmas and New Year holidays.

EKO WAHYUDI