REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the Jakarta elevated railway, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), would be operational in March 2019. He said that during a ride from its station at Hotel Indonesia roundabout to Lebak Bulus on Tuesday.

"We have tried together the MRT from Hotel Indonesia roundabout to Lebak Bulus covering a distance of 16 kilometers," Jokowi said as if to ensure that the system would be ready for operation early next year.

He said the project has been 97 percent completed. It should be fully completed early next year.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visits MRT Depo in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, Tuesday (Nov 6).

Riding the elevated railway together with the head of state were Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Chief Executive of PT MRT Jakarta William Sabandar, and Chairman of the Jakarta legislative assembly Prasetyo Edi Marsudi.

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Jokowi expressed satisfaction and convenience saying there was no noise during the short ride at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour.

The president said he hoped the second phase of construction for the route from Hotel Indonesia roundabout station to Ancol in northern part of the capital city could start next year.

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