Locals of Harjamukti Awaits LRT Jabodebek Soft Launch

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Light Rail Transit or LRT Jabodebek will conduct a limited trial run with passengers aboard on July 12-15, 2023. The trial is open to the public which sparks the interest of the denizens of Cimanggis, Depok. 

Khairul Anwar (57), a resident in RT 1/ RW 1 of Mekarsari Sub-district relayed his curiosity concerning the LRT Jabodebek Station located in Harjamukti Sub-district. "I was jogging from Wiladatika and saw the station, I'm curious about when they will start operating the trains," he said on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He admitted his happiness for the existence of the LRT Station in Cimanggis since the nearest KRL station was quite far before this. "To reach the Pondok Cina or Universitas Indonesia stations we need 20 to 30 minutes. This station will only take 10 minutes," said Khairul.

The Head of RT 03/RW 03 Harjamukti, Nasrullah said that the station will accommodate his residents who work in Jakarta. Nasrullah revealed that the residents are all enthusiastic about the prospect. The first socialization they accepted concerning this project was in 2014-2015. "The residents have welcomed this project since the first socialization. Meaning, people are glad for public transportation in their area. They always ask me at gatherings when will they start operating the trains," said Nasrullah.

Cimanggis residents hope for feeder-vehicle 

At present time, LRT passengers shall park their vehicles at Wiladatika Cibubur Arboretum or Cibubur Junction. Nasrullah asked for a feeder-vehicle routing for easier access to the station. "It is quite far from Wiladatika, about a kilometer. If there are no feeder vehicles, the people have to walk a long way after a long day, it is pitiful," said Nasrullah.

Harjamukti station is located parallel to Jagorawi Toll Road, in Harjamukti Sub-district, Cimanggis, Depol. To reach the station, people with private transportation have to do a roundabout at the Cibubur Junction, then park their vehicles as far as 1 kilometer from the station.

Preparation for the soft launch

Last weekend, workers were seen assembling the frame of a tent that will be used for the soft launch. The area surrounding LRT Harjamukti Station was clean and no street stalls were present. Some kids were playing and motorcycles passing through toward the housing complex at the south of the station were few and far between.

When Tempo visited the station, a worker clad in a safety helmet and vest came down using the north gate escalator. Fauzi, the worker, invited Tempo to use the escalator and relayed that the uses an automatic censor, "It will stop if unused, there is a censor to move up and down, and there is a lift at the south," he explained.

Reaching the 1st floor, it could be said that the interior is stately, consisting of lockets, seven tap machines as the entrance, and one disabled-friendly track. There are toilets and a prayer room past the tap machines, in between escalators heading to the second floor.

Tempo has not been able to photograph the interiors of the station since the authorization still lies with PT Adhi Karya. "We are unable to give information and the handover is on August 18," said Fauzi.

RICKY JULIANSYAH

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