Fauzi told to overcome traffic jams before campaigning

(JP/Arief Suhardiman)Presidential Working Unit for Supervision and Management of Development (UKP4) chief Kuntoro Mangkusubroto is urging Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo to speed up efforts to overcome traffic jams before he takes leave for his reelection campaign in April.

“The issuing of permits has to be expedited, considering that the Jakarta governor will take leave in April for his re-election campaign. So I think this window of opportunity will only last three months,” said Kuntoro after a meeting on transportation in Jakarta at the Vice Presidential Palace on Friday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said that the fast-tracked permits included those for gas stations and the exchange for the National Police Training Center Agency in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, which would be used for the planned MRT line.

“These problems have to be solved in the next three months,” he said.

Fauzi did not attend the meeting, which was led by Vice President Boediono and Deputy Governor for Transportation and Environment Issues Soetanto Suhodo.

Also attending were Transportation Minister EE Mangindaan, Finance Minister Agus Martowardoyo, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Oil and Gas Director General Evita Legowo, National Traffic Police chief Insp. Gen. Djoko Susilo, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Untung Rajab, Banten Vice Governor Rano Karno, South Tangerang Mayor Airin Rahmydiany and other related officials. (nvn)