Jakarta. The expansion of the Tanah Abang Station in Central Jakarta officially began over the weekend with investment for the first phase of the development reaching a whopping Rp 380.93 billion ($29.97 million).

The expansion aims to address the station's overcrowdedness by increasing its passenger capacity threefold, from 100,000 to 300,000 passengers per day.

"The development of Tanah Abang Station is taking place in stages. The first phase is slated for completion by the end of this year. The investment for this phase reaches Rp 380.93 billion," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said at the Tanah Abang Station locomotive depot in Central Jakarta on Sunday.

According to Budi,  this program is expected to improve the accessibility and mobility of Jakartans and the people living around the city. Budi said that the expansion could also be a boon for the economy and trade.

"Tanah Abang Station is a TOD [transit-oriented development] center serving Central Jakarta trade and office activities. So, we need to carry out the development immediately and synergize to better serve the community," Budi Karya said.

Acting Jakarta governor Heru Budi Hartono said that the provincial government would help speed up all development permits in a bid to support the station's expansion.

"When it's finished, people can use and care for it. Tanah Abang Station will become a new icon," Heru said.

KAI president director Didiek Hartantyo said the railway operator would improve the services for the passengers commuting at Tanah Abang Station.

"We are ready to collaborate and support this program," Didiek said.

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