TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria said the city administration was trying to find breakthroughs to accelerate the phase 2 construction project of MRT Jakarta, which will connect the HI Roundabout in Central Jakarta to Kota Tua in West Jakarta.

The government is planning to cooperate with other countries who have the capabilities and experiences in building rail-based transportation modes.

“Thus we need support from the Japanese government,” said Riza after monitoring the train operation control center at the MRT Depo in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, Friday, October 2, 2020.

Riza explained that the phase 2 construction project of the underground railway was thus far scheduled for completion in 2026. However, it potentially will be delayed until 2027 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It will take a long time. We will make breakthroughs to run this. We acknowledge that in many countries, MRT or subway become the backbone of urban transportation. We will accelerate it,” he said.

MRT Jakarta phase 2 project consists of two segments. The first segment connects Thamrin and Monas that is targeted to finish in March 2025. The second one, linking Harmoni and Kota, is set to operate in 2026. The distance between its stations varies from 0.6 to one kilometer.

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IMAM HAMDI