Fast Train Officially Operates, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: It Was Doubtful Before

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan revealed that many parties are pessimistic that the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train (KCJB) can be completed. However, it has been proven that this mode of transportation can be completed and officially operational.

Luhut admitted that the process was not easy to build and complete this project. He said, various obstacles arose, ranging from funding to land acquisition.

Luhut conveyed this in front of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the inauguration of KCJB, at Halim Station, Jakarta, Monday, October 2.

"Since we received the assignment from the President to continue construction of the high-speed train project at the end of 2019, we have encountered many problems and obstacles. "Starting from classic problems, regarding land acquisition, poor coordination, to funding difficulties faced due to COVID-19," he said at the inauguration of KCJB, at Halim Station.

However, continued Luhut, due to the support of various parties, including the central and regional governments, the consortium of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), BUMN and the private sector, the construction of the first mode of transportation in Indonesia could be completed and finally inaugurated.

"Mr President is certainly not surprised that many parties are pessimistic that this project will be completed. "But I want to report, Mr President, that you have given us encouragement to complete this train," he said.

"However, on this historic day we can prove that this project can be completed and can be operated," he continued.

Luhut also believes that the operation of the Jakarta Bandung Fast Train can support economic growth in the Jakarta and Bandung areas.

"Through the Jakarta-Bandung fast train we get many benefits for our nation, starting from creating new job opportunities, especially for local communities, providing a multiplier effect for other modes of transportation or feeder vehicles," he said.

"Creating economic growth that is crossed by fast train lines and the latest transfer technology," he concluded.