President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat have inaugurated the new Simpang Susun Semanggi, or Semanggi Interchange, which is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the area by 30 percent.

Jokowi expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the city administration, saying the construction process had been fast.

"Semanggi is a heavily congested area, making the construction of this interchange crucial," Jokowi said. "I appreciate the fast work," he added at the event on Thursday evening.

Former Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama initiated the construction project in April last year. State-owned building firm PT Wijaya Karya finished construction on the Rp 369 billion (US$27.7 million) project on April 25, and the city decided it was ready for a trial run on July 29.

The expansion of Jakarta’s iconic Semanggi cloverleaf was built using funds of PT Mitra Panca Persada, a subsidiary of Japan-based property management firm Mori Building Company. Mori had agreed to finance the project in return for a higher building floor coefficient permit. (wit)

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Ivany Atina Arbi

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