Jabodebek LRT Inaugurated, Minister of SOEs Optimistic It Can Be a Solution to Reduce Traffic jams and Pollution

JAKARTA - The Greater Jakarta Integrated Traffic Light (LRT) has just been inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) today, after previously a series of trials had been carried out some time ago.

For your information, before inaugurating, President Jokowi tested the Jabodebek LRT again with the Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Working Cabinet from Harjamukti Station, Cimanggis, Depok. Jokowi departed from the station at around 08.25 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). One of those who took part was Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir.

Erick admitted that he had tried mass transportation three times. He said, his condition was much better than the first time he took part in the Jabodebek LRT.

Furthermore, Erick admitted that he was optimistic that the operation of the Jabodebek LRT would be able to suppress congestion in DKI Jakarta, Bogor, Depok and Bekasi. He also invited people to switch to using public transportation.

"Thank God, I have been invited by the President three times and it is getting better and better and I think this is an extraordinary solution because the density of Bogor, Bekasi, Tangerang and Jakarta is one of the things that really makes Jakarta the maximum density," said Erick while testing the Jabodebek LRT, reported by the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel, Monday, August 28.

In addition, Erick believes that using public transportation and reducing the use of private vehicles in Greater Jakarta will reduce the volume of air pollution in the capital city and its surroundings.

"So with the acceleration of the LRT it also helps reduce private vehicles so this can help, especially since this is high pollution, these are things that all of us really need to participate in using public transportation," he said.

Currently, said Erick, public transportation is the government's main focus. Therefore, Erick ensures that the authorities continue to improve basic infrastructure and supporting facilities for public transportation modes.

"Indeed, public transportation is the priority at the moment, do we continue to improve the MRT, LRT, and supporting facilities, because it is indeed a city that is one of the largest in the world in terms of population, yes, indeed public facilities are a priority," he said.