TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko `Jokowi` Widodo was scheduled to inaugurate the 5.8 kilometers long 1A section of Depok-Antasari Toll (Antasari-Brigif) this afternoon, September 27.

“President Jokowi and the Minister of Public Work and Housing [PUPR] Basuki Hadimuljono will launch the toll tomorrow [Sept 27],” said the PUPR ministry’s spokesperson Endra S. Atmawidjaja, Wednesday, September 26.

Endra explained Depok-Antasari Toll Road or Desari was part of national strategic projects. The inauguration marked the toll operational feasibility as it obtained the permit (SLO).

Based on the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) data, the 21.54 kilometer long Desari Toll was managed by the toll road operators (BUJT) PT Citra Waspphutowa with a share of 62.5 percent, PT Waskita Tbk. (25 percent), and PT Pembangunan Perumahan Tbk. (12.5 percent).

The total investment of the toll project reached up to Rp2.99 trillion, while the concession period of the toll management was set for 40 years.

The tariff of Desari Toll was initially set at Rp1,168 per kilometer and not influenced by tariff reduction in the tariff rationalization considering the toll road was constructed in the city vicinity.

Earlier, Jokowi commanded all project management to reexamine several infrastructure projects that used import elements. He attempted to highly save the project cost. According to the president, if the project evaluation succeeded, the country's foreign exchange would be saved up to US$21 million per day.

BISNIS | AHMAD FAIZ