Jakarta. The Indonesian government has denied reports saying that it will put off the launch of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train from the original schedule in August because the project won’t be ready in time.

Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, a deputy for the state-owned enterprise minister, was quoted as saying by business newspaper Investor Daily on Tuesday that the inauguration of the country’s first high-speed train will take place during the celebrations for the country’s 78th anniversary in August.

The government also plans to launch the light rail transit (LRT) system, a brand new railway network connecting cities in Greater Jakarta which began construction during President Joko Widodo’s first term.

The inauguration ceremony will take place a day after the Independence Day commemoration according to the planned time.

"The LRT and the high-speed train will be launched on August 18," Kartika said.

The Indonesia-China Fast Train (KCIC), a consortium that runs the high-speed train project, also expressed confidence that the inaugural operation can begin in August.

The August ceremony will mark the start of an introductory phase of the high-speed train with limited operating schedules for around one and a half months before the full commercial service begins, KCIC spokesman Emir Monti said.

"KCIC, along with all stakeholders, will continue to accelerate the construction while prioritizing safety to complete this national strategic project according to the established targets," Emir said.

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