Deputy Minister Of SOEs Opens Up About Fast Train Projects: Almost Stalled To The Ambrol Tunnel

Illustration of Fast Trains (Photo: Doc. Antara)

Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Kartika Wirjoatmodjo revealed that the Jakarta Bandung high-speed rail (KCJB) project was almost stalled. The completion of this project is a mandate from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) when he was appointed deputy minister.

"For example, when I was appointed as Deputy Minister by the President, I had to finish this item, which at that time in 2019 almost stalled. Yes, it was maintained again. This item is so that it runs and finally operates, "he said in a virtual InJourney event, Tuesday, August 1.

Receiving the task, Tiko, Kartika's nickname, said that the project was re-mapping. Including completing negotiations with the Chinese side.

"We make big PMOs with various components, some take care of their civil works, the facilities, the stations, the technological integration, negotiations with China, changing the Presidential Decree. Now that negotiations with CDB have not been completed, the finalization process is still being processed for cost overrun financing," he explained.

Not only constraints in financing, Tiko also admitted that he faced obstacles in the construction of tunnels that collapsed many times when drilling.

One point there was once one tunnel 11 at the end of Padalarang, the tunnel was drilled again every time, drilled and collapsed again. Finally with China the discussion at length he was still creating a new drill, and he was drilling he was leaking, so while drilling while casting it, it could be penetrated immediately. Because every time he was drilled he collapsed, he became rich," he said.

With the various obstacles faced, Tiko revealed that now the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train is ready to operate. The operation will be carried out after President Jokowi tries this mode of transportation.

Furthermore, Tiko said that in the near future with President Jokowi's trial, the project will be inaugurated together with the Chinese Prime Minister.

"We confirm that on September 1, the President wants to go up, on the 6th maybe inaugurated with China," he said.