Jakarta to build six underground stations by 2016

The Jakarta government has reiterated its ambition to build six underground stations as part of the Mass Rapid Transit system by 2016.

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said on Monday his administration had begun to acquire land along the planned MRT route from Lebak Bulus to Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, a total distance of 15.5 kilometers,  Tribunnews.com reported.

Of that distance, the MRT will run above ground for 10.5 kilometers.

The six underground stations will be at the Al Azhar Mosque, Istora Senayan (Ratu Plaza), Bendungan Hilir, Setiabudi, Dukuh Atas, and the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.

The seven above-ground stations will be in Lebak Bulus, Fatmawati, Cipete Raya, Jalan H. Nawi, Blok A, Blok M, and Jalan Sisingamangaraja.

The budget for the MRT line is expected to reach Rp 15 trillion (US$ 1.6 billion).