TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has today confirmed that the government would provide subsidies for the LRT Jabodebek and Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train tickets. The subsidy, he said, would be similar to that given for other modes of transportation.
“The subsidy must be given for airport trains, Transjakarta, KRL, LRT, MRT, or high-speed train tickets,” the President said at LRT Dukuh Atas Station in Central Jakarta, on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
According to him, subsidies are crucial to provide affordable mass transportation and attract public interest. When asked about the amount of the subsidy, he said it would be determined by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.
The Head of State also stressed that traffic congestion in Greater Jakarta and Bandung causes losses of up to Rp100 trillion per year. Therefore, he hoped people could switch from private vehicles to public transportation, such as LRT Jabodebek and the Jakarta-Bandung bullet train.
“We are losing almost Rp100 trillion every year. This must be solved immediately because the macro economy of our country is huge. And that the subsidy is a must, which is the state’s obligation,” he remarked.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi previously revealed that the ticket fare for LRT Jabodebek would be around Rp20,000-25,000. However, Budi claimed that the government was still calculating the price, taking into account people’s purchasing power.
LRT Jabodebek is set to start commercial operation soon. President Jokowi has confirmed that he will inaugurate the train connecting Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi on August 26, 2023.
M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH
Editor’s Choice: LRT Jabodebek Halts Public Trial Run
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Quoted From Many Source