TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi announced that the government will not stop the operation of commuter lines or KRL connecting Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek).

This decision, therefore, dismissed requests issued by regional heads to suspend mass transport after three passengers tested positive for Covid-19.

“The KRL must remain operable for now. Because some people have to go working and are not able to work from home,” said Budi during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission V on Wednesday, May 6.

Budi Karya expressed concern that if the transport mode is stopped, the working people cannot rent exclusive transportation such as taxis given its relatively high rate.

However, the minister ensured the train operator PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) is implementing strict health monitoring towards commuters and officers.

Based on the data evaluation of Jakarta’s Large-Scale Social Restriction or PSBB, the average number of commuters tends to decrease. During rush hour at 08:00 a.m., the trend drops from 77,575 people to around 55,000 people. Besides, the train capacity is limited to up to 35 percent or 60 passengers per car or 61,248 passengers per trip.

Since the PSBB was implemented, Budi Karya said the daily number of KRL passengers was only 20 percent. “From initially 1 million to 200,000 people a day,” he concluded.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA