Administration considers jumping onboard rail project

Mustaqim Adamrah ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 05/03/2008 11:14 AM  |  City

The Jakarta administration is studying a possible railway system to connect the capital to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

"We support the idea about improving our transportation system, among others, by connecting the city to Tangerang and Soekarno-Hatta Airport," Deputy Governor Prijanto said Friday at City Hall.

"Most importantly the future railway system must be integrated within the existing railway and busway systems, as well as future monorail and subway systems."

The administration still needs to study all the financial consequences, he said adding that he will report to Governor Fauzi Bowo prior to further decisions.

Fauzi is visiting Japan to meet with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and is scheduled to return by the end of the week.

In a meeting on Wednesday at Vice President Jusuf Kalla's office, the Jakarta administration was asked to participate in the project.

"The offer came to us as one of the stations is planned to be built in Dukuh Atas, Central Jakarta," said Prijanto.

Transportation Minister Djusman Syafii Jamal, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Forestry Ministry Malam Sabit Kaban and Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah were also present at the meeting.

Initially, the project -- which will connect the train station in Manggarai, South Jakarta, to the airport -- is projected to swallow at least Rp 4.6 trillion (US$499 million) for new railway construction, Antara reported.

"But the Vice President suggested the project use existing railways (that have been abandoned)," said Minister Djusman.

"As a result, the project will need only Rp 2.2 trillion to build 15 kilometers of new railways."

Jusuf demands that all required public biddings be carried out "as quick as possible", Djusman said.

The new railway construction is expected to start by July and to be completed in November next year.

The future railway system has been at the planning stage for years and has faced delays due to land acquisition disputes.

The system is expected to serve as an alternative to the Sedyatmo turnpike, a main passage to the airport, and is expected to help the transport goods and commuters faster.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.