Jakarta MRT North-South Line Tunnel Has Been Completed: President

JAKARTA, Feb 24 (Antara) - The first phase of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) North-South Line tunnel has been completed, President Joko Widodo has stated. "The MRT is scheduled to be operated on March 2019. However, the MRT is expected to be ready for the 2018 Asian Games," Joko Widodo said during his inspection here on Thursday. The first-phase, stretching 15.7 kilometers from Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, to the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta, is part of the Jakarta MRT North-South Line from Lebak Bulus to Kampung Bandan in North Jakarta with a total length of 23.8 kilometers. The North-South Line is expected to accommodate 433,000 passengers per day. The president expected the project to be completed on schedule. With regard to funding, the head of state pointed out that funding sources could be created. "State and local budgets can be combined to fund the project. In addition, the government can cooperate with business entities to fund the project," the president pointed out. The combination of funding should conducted to accelerate the development of infrastructure in the country. "I think there is no complaint from ministries and state-owned enterprises on the issue of financing," he affirmed. During his review, President Joko Widodo was also accompanied by Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono and Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.