Subway project

I read in the newspapers recently that the Jakarta City Administration will soon build a subway system from Kebayoran in south Jakarta to Kota in the north. At the same time, a private company has agreed to build a triple decker system to service a similar route. These services are welcomed and it is hoped they will be able to solve the problem of traffic jams in Jakarta.

However, up to now no details concerning the two projects have been disclosed. As citizens we would like to know the detailed planning and how the system will affect the environment. It is also important to know whether the buildings on the route are safe, how to overcome possible floods, and most importantly, what precautions must be taken to prevent hazards.

All possibilities must be anticipated, and the negative and positive aspects of the system must be disclosed to the public. Telling people they will be better served by the system is not enough. It should be noted that Indonesia has had no previous experience in this type of traffic system. And since the projects will be funded by people's money, people have the right to know detailed information before construction begins. The system must also be maintained by professional people.

It has been said on many occasions that the projects will start this year. Could any authorized body give us satisfactory information concerning these two mega projects?

W. PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java