Jakarta—MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) construction project phase I which route is from Lebak Bulus-Bundaran HI is now entering the final stage. The stage however influence to the construction phase II Bundaran HI-Kampung bandan that will be started after the phase I is completed. The groundbreaking for MRT phase II estimated on the end of 2018 or weill be on December 2018.

The Director of PT MRT Jakarta, William Sabandar said the stakeholder is still discussing about the loan funding agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It also envolved with the land acquisition that will be constructed for MRT Jakarta Phase II.

“We hope the appraisal mission in February will be started when we do tender which is on August 2018. And this November should be contract signing for Phase II and hopefully December could have done the groundbreaking,” explained William.

Meanwhile, Tubagus Hikmatullah as the Corporate Secretary of PT MRT Jakarta explains that the total amount of MRT Jakarta construction phase II reach IDR 22,5 trillion (Rupiah) and it it has been approved by the people's representative Council District of Jakarta.

Financing of the construction MRT Jakarta Phase II is indeed consuming more than the construction phase I, this is because of the possibility of  do the relocation of the river which is in the Gajah Mada and Hayam Wuruk street.

“It (financial) is little bit higher because the possibility to relocate the river where the ground is more lanient so it should be strengthened. And also to safe the national heritage since in the North Jakarta there’s so many historical building. There also excalation price for multi years (4,5 years) so it would be any changes for example the price of labor. It needs to be estimated,” said Tubagus.

PT MRT Jakarta is currently finishing the last stage  for Consultant Engineering Study Contract phase II to produce basic engineering design as part of tender documentary in searching the contractor for MRT phase II.

Later on, the route of MRT phase II will be started from Bundaran HI, passing through the 8 stations with 7 stations of all are underground stations.