Subway system for Jakarta is essential<\/p>\n
A few days ago the difficulties that stand in the way of
\nbuilding a subway system for Jakarta were revealed by Governor
\nSurjadi Soedirdja when he asked for assistance from House
\nCommission II for home affairs. The biggest obstacle, according
\nto the Governor, is the government's ruling prohibiting regional
\nadministrations from seeking soft foreign loans. Such loans are
\nneeded because the Jakarta City administration lacks the
\nnecessary funds to start the project.<\/p>\n
Governor Surjadi's dilemma deserves our attention since most
\nof us agree that a strategic approach is needed to solve
\nJakarta's transportation problems. The subway project, which is
\nto be undertaken by a consortium of Indonesian, Japanese and
\nEuropean companies, is important in this context. If it is kept
\nclean and comfortable Jakartans would probably use it as their
\ndaily means of transportation.<\/p>\n
The preference for private cars would eventually shift in
\nfavor of the subway. This would be helpful since it would ease
\nthe traffic jams and reduce air and sound pollution emitted by
\nbuses, motorbikes and private cars. By maintaining a standard of
\nservice that is superior to that which is currently available on
\nthe Jabotabek commuter trains, people could be persuaded to be
\nmore disciplined. Because the frequency of the subway service
\nwould be relatively high, for example, discipline regarding the
\nobservance of timetables would be needed.<\/p>\n
Originally the subway construction project was scheduled to
\nbegin in April this year, with services starting in 2001. This
\ntime schedule, however, will be difficult to maintain if the
\nobstacles which the Jakarta City administration face are not
\nremoved. Considering all this it would be appropriate for us to
\npay attention to Governor Surjadi's dilemma so that Jakarta's
\ntransportation problems may be resolved fundamentally and on a
\nlong-term basis.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/subway-system-for-jakarta-is-essential-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }