TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo hoped that the development of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Jakarta could be set as an example for other cities. Jokowi believed that it is time for major cities in Indonesia to have an underground public transportation service.
"For cities with insufficient space, underground transportation can be built," Jokowi said on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Several other cities currently developing similar transportation includes Palembang, with its Light Rapid Transit (LRT) and Surabaya with its tram system.
On September 21, 2015, President Jokowi inaugurated the premiere operating of MRT Jakarta's underground drilling machine near the Pemuda Statue in Senayan, Jakarta. The giant drill called 'Antareja' measured 6.7meter in diameter and weighs 323 ton.
Jokowi claimed that he continues to monitor the MRT constructions, despite fact that it should be the responsibility of the Jakarta Governor. "Because I want this development to be made as an example for other cities in Indonesia," Jokowi said.
FAIZ NASHRILLAH