Heaptalk, Jakarta — President Joko Widodo officially launched the construction of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) East-West Line Phase 1 Stage 1, which will connect Medan Satria to Tomang over 24.5 kilometers. The launch event occurred at the MH Thamrin MRT Station project in Jakarta on Wednesday (11/09). “With the words bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this morning I officially launch the construction of the East-West MRT Line Phase 1 Stage 1,” President Jokowi declared.
In his remarks, Jokowi highlighted the success of the first phase of the MRT construction, which has been operational since March 2019. This phase connects Lebak Bulus to the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout. “The north-south Phase 1 has transformed the face of Jakarta, reshaped the city’s transportation system, and also changed the face of our country, Indonesia,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi also emphasized the MRT’s important role in facilitating mobility in Jakarta. Since its operation, Jakarta’s MRT has served more than 120 million passengers, a significant number. “That’s not a small figure,” Jokowi noted.
The construction of Phase 2a of the North-South MRT Line, connecting the HI Roundabout to Kota, is ongoing. However, the government is determined to expand the MRT network in Jakarta to make it even more integrated. “We want to extend and broaden the scope of this development,” Jokowi stated.
The President emphasized that this project will strengthen Jakarta’s position as a global city and a center of agglomeration with modern public transportation. He mentioned that the MRT construction is part of the effort to create a better and more sustainable modern transportation system. “This is truly a transportation civilization, a modern civilization that will fully come into being once the MRT project is completed,” Jokowi remarked.
The East-West MRT Line project is expected to enhance mobility for Jakarta residents and support economic growth by accelerating connectivity within Jakarta and its surrounding areas and reinforcing Jakarta’s role as a global city.
