President Jokowi Encourages Transit-Oriented Development in Metropolitan Areas

President Jokowi at the inauguration of Millennial Housing for Indonesia at the Samesta Mahata Margonda, Depok, West Java province, Thursday (04/13). (Photo by: PR of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo encouraged the construction of housing emphasizing transit-oriented development (TOD) in Indonesia’s metropolitan areas.

The statement was coined by the President in a press statement after inaugurating Millennial Housing for Indonesia at the Samesta Mahata Margonda, Depok, West Java province, Thursday (04/13).

“I gave an order [to develop it] not only in Greater Jakarta area, but also other cities, such as Surabaya, Medan, Semarang, Bandung, Makassar, and other cities facing serious problem with traffic congestions, for instance, Palembang. Adopt TOD in cities that with traffic congestion,” he stated.

According to the President, residents will avoid congestion and have easier access to mobilize using mass transportation mode if they live in a housing that adopted TOD concept.

“It would be faster to reach destinations. As you can see here, the campus is near, hospital is near. If you want to go to the city center, just take the commuter line, and you’ll reach the destination in 10-15 minutes,” he added.

On that occasion, the Head of State also pushed for development of vertical housing to meet people’s demand for housing.

“The housing is needed to be developed in big cities throughout the country, not only in Greater Jakarta area. First, constructing vertical housing is really important,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (RAS/HD)