Prabowo prepares KAI's heavy task: Trans Sumatra Railway from South to North

After inaugurating the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station, President Prabowo touched on the Trans Sumatra Railway plan. Photo: Cahyo - Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto has given a signal for the next major project in the railway sector. After inaugurating the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station, he alluded to the Trans Sumatra Railway plan.

Prabowo made the statement when he inaugurated the Semarang Tawang Station Cultural Heritage in Semarang, Thursday, July 30.

In front of the KAI and government officials, Prabowo asked officials and leaders to think big. According to him, Indonesia is a big country and needs big infrastructure.

"I want Indonesian Railways to develop rapidly, expand widely, and expand greatly," said Prabowo.

He then alluded to the Trans Sumatra Railway. Prabowo said the line was from Bandar Lampung, then asked the southernmost point before mentioning Merak and Bakauheni to the northernmost point.

"This is the Trans Sumatra Railway," he said.

After inaugurating the Tawang Semarang station, President Prabowo reviewed the explorer train. (Photo: Cahyo - Presidential Secretariat Press, Media, and Information Bureau)

Prabowo then asked KAI and the Minister of Transportation whether the project could be carried out. He said the task was difficult, but it still needed to be given.

"Can KAI? Can, Minister of Transportation? We give him a heavy task," said Prabowo.

He even opened the possibility that the work would begin at the same time.

The statement came after Prabowo emphasized the importance of greater investment in the railway sector. He also highlighted the need to improve thousands of train crossings to make them safer.

According to Prabowo, the train is an economic instrument for the people. Trains are not only needed for mobility, but also for logistics, public services, and economic drivers.

He emphasized that railway development should not only pursue modernization. Trains must continue to serve low-income people and small towns.

At the event, Prabowo also mentioned that he would try a new KAI train called Nusantara Explorer. The train was launched to support and support tourism.

"Continue. Today I will try the new train launched by KAI to support and support tourism, which is called Nusantara Explorer," said Prabowo.

Prabowo closed his speech by inaugurating the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station. He also stated that he was waiting for the inauguration of the revitalization of other stations, including the launch of the Trans Sumatra Railway.