Reactivation Of Mak Itam Train, Minister Of SOEs: Can Improve Sawahlunto Tourism

Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir (center). (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - The Mak Itam train (KA) in Sawahlunto, Muaro Kalaban, West Sumatra, has been officially reactivated.

The E1060 vapor locomotive was activated in 2009, but only briefly. Since 2014, Mak Itam's train has been out of operation. The reactivation of the Sawahlunto-Muaro Kalaban route is 4 kilometers (km). Meanwhile, along 828 meters, some of them are tunnels. Erick said that the Mak Itam train is an icon and tourist attraction in Sawahlunto. This reactivation is expected that Sawahlunto-Muaro Kalaban tourism will increase.

"Because we can build, but we can't take care of it. This is not the last time, I will ask to continue again," he said in an official statement, quoted Wednesday, December 21.

President Director (Director) of PT KAI Didiek Hartyanto said this program was a direct direction for Erick Thohir on February 3, 2021.

Didiek hopes that this train journey can be an illustration of West Sumatra's culture.

"It was carried out at a cost of Rp. 18 billion. Cooperation with four SOEs. Covering road work, bridges, signaling, tunneling of 828 meters of calam holes and others," he said.

Didiek also expressed his gratitude to all those who helped with this activity.

"Thank you all parties and also the people who have contributed. According to our promise to the Manteri for six months, now it is faster than the promise," he said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Sawahlunto, Deri Asta, said that Sawahlunto had become an advanced area.

Many came to Sawahlunto. That's why it becomes a city with heterogeneous residents.

Various tribes and races are here. If the train comes to life again, it will revive the economy. On that basis, said Deri, in 2021, he was accompanied by a member of Commission VI of the West Sumatra electoral district, Andre Rosiade met with SOE Minister Erick Thohir.

At the meeting, Deri explained that Sawahlunto was a small city that had a big history. Because there is the first mine in Indonesia in West Sumatra.

Deri conveyed his extraordinary appreciation to all parties involved in this activity.

Especially for the Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir and Andre Rosiade as sons of the region as well as members of the DPR RI.

"Alhamdulillah, the Minister is willing to revive the train. Now the train, which has not been operating for a long time, is back to life," said Deri. He hopes that next year the reactivation of this railway line can reach the Silungkang area. That way, it can improve the economy of the surrounding community.

"Currently, only 4 KM from Sawahlunto to Muaro Kalaban. Hopefully, the route to Silungkang can also be activated to further leverage the community's economy," he said.