Governor slams overdone busway launch ceremony

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo criticized the organizing committee for doing more than what was needed for the launching ceremony of the Transjakarta busway corridor VIII, which connects Lebak Bulus and Harmoni, on Saturday morning.

“It should have been simpler,” he said as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

The ceremony was held at Lebak Bulus busway station, which was decorated in yellow and orange tones into a plush function room. Ten portable air conditioner units were installed in the eight by ten meter room.

Fauzi refused to deliver his speech at the podium provided, but rather took the microphone used by the event's host.

Corridor VIII was supposed to be launched last week, after several delays, but Transjakarta management had to delay the launch because of problems with preparations.

The line, aimed at serving passengers from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to Harmoni, the Central Jakarta busway hub, is expected to offer a speedy commuter alternative through areas of heavy traffic incl;uding Pasar Jumat, Pondok Indah and Tomang Raya. (dre)