Reviewing The Makassar-Parepare Railway Project, Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya: October Will Start Operating

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi. (Photo: ANTARA)

MAKASSAR - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi reviewed the progress of the Makassar-Parepare railway project in South Sulawesi, Saturday, May 28.

Budi Karya said, of the three main targets for the completion of the Makassar-Parepare railway project, the first target to be completed is the Maros-Barru railway line of approximately 71 km.

It is targeted that the route traversed by the eight stations can operate to serve pioneer passenger trains in October 2022, with the aim of Maros Station to Barru (PP).

"After two years of the pandemic, it turns out that the development of this project is very significant. It is planned that in October the train will start operating," said Budi Karya as quoted by Antara, Saturday.

He revealed, apart from being a pioneering passenger transportation, the train will function as a tourist train to a number of tourist attractions such as in the Barru Regency area and the Rammang-Rammang tourist village.

"I encourage the regional government together with tourism stakeholders to develop tourism here, starting from the culinary arts, as well as beautiful views of mountains, rice fields, and the sea," he said.

Budi said the second target is to complete the railway line that connects to Garongkong Port and the Semen Tonasa (Maros-Pangkep-Barru) factory to serve logistics train transportation, as well as the extension of the railway line from Maros Station to Mandai Station, which is targeted for completion in March 2023.

This Logistics/Goods Train is needed in South Sulawesi to transport commodities such as coal, cement, and others to the Garongkong Port.

With the collaboration of passenger and freight trains, it is hoped that this route will be productive and able to grow new economic points in the South Sulawesi area.

Furthermore, the third target is to continue the construction of the train line from Barru Station to Pallanro Station, so that later this train line will increase to a length of approximately 110 km, which stretches from Mandai Station (Makassar) to Pallanro Station. It is targeted that this line will operate in the second quarter of 2024.

On the same occasion, the Governor of South Sulawesi Andi Sudirman Sulaiman supported the completion of this project, such as ensuring land acquisition, developing tourist areas, and other supports.

"This is a breakthrough from the government of Mr. President Jokowi through Mr. Minister of Transportation. This is the first train in Eastern Indonesia. Hopefully this legacy can facilitate the movement of the people of South Sulawesi," he said.

In his review, Budi Karya Sumadi visited the Tenate Rilau Station using the Ministry of Transportation inspection train to Garongkong Harbor Station, Barru Regency.

Also attending the review were Director General of Railways Zulfikri, President Director of PT KAI Didiek Hartantyo, and Barru District Regent Suardi Saleh.