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MRT Jakarta pledges caution in underground work at historical sites
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Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (right) speaks with president director of PT MRT Jakarta William Sabandar (center) and PT MRT Jakarta construction director Silvia Halim after the signing of an agreement on the MRT phase two project on Feb. 17. (Antara/M Risyal Hidayat)
C
ity-owned transportation company PT MRT Jakarta gears up to extend Jakarta’s first subway line with a 6.3-kilometer-long northbound underground tunnel, amid concerns that construction may cut through a number of historical sites and buildings situated along the route.
The first part of the second construction phase is expected to connect Bundaran HI Station in Central Jakarta with Kota Station in the old town of West Jakarta. About a dozen heritage sites have been identified in the vicinity.
MRT Jakarta construction director Silvia Halim said the company would carry out construction with special care so as not to damage any historical objects it may encounter.
“[The project] is important for improving the city's economy and environmental standards, but that doesn’t mean we will compromise any historical buildings or objects of cultural heritage for infrastructure development,” she said during an online seminar on Thursday.
The firm established a team of experts comprising representatives from its own ranks as well as contractors, city administration officials and archaeologists to speed up decision-making processes when artifacts are excavated during construction.
It was believed this team would help prevent any discernible delay in the project, Silvia remarked.
Read also: Jakarta MRT developer keen not to dig up trouble in route expansion
