President Jokowi Gives Directives for Integrating Public Transportation Modes
President Jokowi chairs a limited cabinet meeting discussing the integration of public transportation modes, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (09/27). (Photo: Secretariat Cabinet’s Public Relations/Rahmat)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo chaired a limited cabinet meeting dealing with the integration of public transportation modes, Wednesday (09/27), at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
The President emphasized that after the development of mass transportation modes starting from mass rapid transit (MRT), light rapid transit (LRT), to high-speed trains, the next step that must be taken is to integrate these modes of transportation so as to provide convenience and comfort for users.
“After we have the MRT, the LRT, the fast train, and then the airport train, the next task we must do and accomplish immediately is how we integrate these modes of transportation with other modes of transportation such as Transjakarta (bus rapid transit), buses, online taxis, online motorcycle taxis. So we need a system that makes it easier for people and ultimately encourages them to use public transportation, because the key is convenience and comfort,” said the President.
For this reason, the President emphasized five points that need attention. First, the development of connecting infrastructure between one mode of transportation and another must be accelerated.
“Accelerate the development of connecting infrastructure. For example, a connecting bridge between the Halim LRT and the fast train station, then also the infrastructure connecting Manggarai Train Station with Transjakarta, and the one connecting Tanah Abang Station with Dukuh Atas. And, we have to make sure that all the infrastructure has lighting, has street lights, and can protect people against rain,” said the President.
Second, the President asked for cooperation and collaboration with transportation providers in order to take people to their final destinations so that they can easily change modes of transportation.
“It would be great if people can just place an order, then the system will make the plan and suggest what multi-modal transportation should be used. Everything is already well prepared. For example, first, take a motorbike taxi to the station, then take the train, take the Transjakarta bus to the destination point, so there is no need to search for it, no need to wait, because everything is integrated,” he explained.
Furthermore, the President requested that the payment system for all modes of transportation be integrated, and he also asked to carry out a study regarding price cuts for subscription payments.
“An integrated payment system must be built, and this means of payment should be the one which is commonly used by the public and can be used in all modes of transportation. Also make a study concerning subscription payment mechanisms, what kind of discounts can be offered, afterwards I will attract people to flock to use mass transportation,” he said.
Furthermore, the President wants studies on the construction of the LRT heading for Bogor City and the expansion of the Kelapa Gading LRT line to be carried out immediately.
“I also request that a study on the construction of LRT heading for Bogor City be conducted immediately, because if we look at the current LRT, it is always full. And also a study on the construction of the Kelapa Gading LRT line to Manggarai, so that the scope and reach of this mass transportation will be wider,” said the President.
The Head of State also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the existing public transportation is friendly for people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and children.
“Finally, make sure that our modes of transportation are friendly to elderly users, people with disabilities, as well as children and pregnant women,” he said.
Joining the President during the meeting were Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency Hadi Tjahjanto, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara.
Also present in the meeting were Acting Governor of Jakarta Special Capital Region Heru Budi Hartono, Acting West Java Governor Bey Triadi Machmudin, and Acting Banten Governor Al Muktabar. (DND/UN) (TM/LW)
