The government has set itself a target to integrate various modes of public transport in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) by 2023- 2024.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said recently that the population the Jabodetabek area was rising rapidly and that there should be an integrated transportation system capable of carrying four to five million people who commute everyday.

"It’s a fact that the road in Jakarta and its surroundings will become more and more crowded. This must be anticipated by building appropriate public transportation," he said during his work visit to the light rail transit (LRT) project, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the LRT and mass rapid transit (MRT) projects were important because based on the government's assessment, the Cibubur-Jakarta, Bekasi-Jakarta and Bogor-Jakarta routes were the most commonly used of the intercity routes.

Budi said he hoped state-owned construction company PT Adhi Karya (Persero) could finish the LRT project on time while continuing to prioritize safety during the construction phase.

"Safety first, we should strive for zero accidents," he said. (anh)