Optimizing The Construction Of The Railway Line To SEI Mangkei SEZ, KAI Collaborates With Pelindo And PTPN III

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. SEI Mangkei SEZ)

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) and PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero) regarding the cooperation plan to optimize the construction of the Kuala Tanjung Multipurpose Terminal facility, SEI Mangkei SEZ, and freight transportation using train.

The MoU was signed by KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo, Pelindo Strategy Director Prasetyo, and PTPN III Holding President Director Mohammad Abdul Ghani witnessed by SOE Minister Erick Thohir in Medan, Saturday, January 8.

KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo said the MoU was intended as a commitment and a basis for exploring a cooperation plan in the context of optimizing the Kuala Tanjung Multipurpose Terminal, Sei Mangkei SEZ, and transporting goods by train.

"This BUMN collaboration is building a logistics transportation ecosystem in Belawan, Sei Mangkei, and Kuala Tanjung using rail transportation," he said in a written statement received by VOI, Monday, January 10.

Didiek said that by integrating industrial estates with ports through rail transportation, an effective and efficient logistics distribution would be created, and support the Government's program in reducing national logistics costs.

Currently, the SEI Mangkei - Kuala Tanjung railway line is still in preparation. Didiek said KAI will continue to coordinate with related parties so that the line can be ready for use.

"By using trains, the transportation of goods becomes more efficient because of the large transport capacity. Another benefit of using trains is that it can reduce the potential for road damage and is more environmentally friendly," he said.

One of the innovations that will be carried out for the transportation of goods on this route is to carry out pipelines from Sei Mangkei Terminal to the factory area and from Kuala Tanjung Station to storage tanks at the port. This effort will be able to streamline the service pattern which previously used trucking.

Didiek hopes that this BUMN synergy will be able to spur the performance of KAI's Goods Transport, especially in North Sumatra Division I. In 2021, KAI transported 702,430 tons of goods in North Sumatra Division I. The main commodities of goods transportation in Divre I are transportation of fuel, containers, CPO, and so on.

"KAI will continue to collaborate with various parties to encourage smooth logistics transportation. Hopefully this collaboration can contribute to the Indonesian economy, especially in the North Sumatra region," he explained.