Bukan Bisnis Pisang Goreng, Pengamat Transport Utak Penambahan Masa Koncessi KCJB Hal YANG Wajar

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Transportation Observer and Academician of the Unika Civil Engineering Study Program, Djoko Setijowarno, assessed that the request for an additional Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Train (KCJB) concession period to 80 years by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) is a natural thing.

The reason, said Djoko, is because this train investment is not a fast business to return capital. Moreover, investment in trains is different from toll roads. The reason is, train investment occurs in facilities and infrastructure.

The train did not return (modal) quickly. So don't think building a train is like a fried banana business (fast capital back). Investment in trains is not only infrastructure but also facilities," Djoko told VOI, written on Sunday, February 19.

Because of ity, Djoko assessed that the additional concession period from 50 years to 80 years is normal. According to Djoko, since the first investment in trains, the concession period has averaged 100 years.

"It's a natural thing (addition of concessions). In Indonesia it was the Dutch East Indies era, the train (concession) was up to 100 years," he explained.

As previously reported, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) is still trying to get an additional application for the Jakarta Bandung Fast Train (KCJB) concession period from 50 to 80 years to be approved.

Therefore, KCIC continues to coordinate, communicate, and submit data to the Directorate of Traffic and Train Transportation, Directorate General of Railways, Ministry of Transportation.

General Manager Corporate Secretary KCIC Rahadian said the submission of data and information needed by the Ministry of Transportation had been carried out in stages.

Furthermore, Rahadian said the Demand Forecast data from the UI Polar Study, Financial Model Data from KPMG Consultants, Feasibility Data from CRDC Consultants and several other data had been submitted and an in-depth joint discussion was held between KCIC and the Ministry of Transportation.

"To strengthen the request, we have conducted a joint study with Polar UI regarding demand forecast and several things related to the commercial aspect. We have also submitted the results of the study to the Ministry of Transportation at the meeting which also involved the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment," he said in a statement, Friday, February 17.

Rahadian assessed that the request for an extension of the concession is possible in a regulatory manner as stipulated in the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 38 of 2021 and is included in one of the clauses of the Concession Agreement which was previously signed.

"The application is based on several factors such as changes in passenger demand forecast due to the impact of the pandemic and other factors, changes in the total cost of the project after the cost overrun, extensions of the construction period, changes to non-farebox business schemes, and various other factors," said Rahadian.

According to Rahadian, the addition of the concession period will also maintain indicators of investment feasibility and ensure that there are more sustainable fast train services.