Seeing The Operation Of The Largest Train Factory In Southeast Asia Located In Banyuwangi

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - PT Steadler INKA Indonesia (SII), which is the largest train factory in Southeast Asia in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, has started operating, which was marked by the inauguration of a workshop by the Deputy Minister of SOE Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, Thursday, March 9.

"The largest train factory in Southeast Asia was built to increase the production of export quality trains. The presence of workshops will also automatically encourage job opening," said the Deputy Minister in a written statement quoted from Antara, Friday, March 10.

According to him, PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero) or INKA has exported trains to various countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Singapore, India, New Zealand, to Australia.

"The Banyuwangi was chosen because of its strategic position and is located not far from ports and stations, making it easier to mobilize products. In addition, Banyuwangi also supports the development of the business world to create jobs," said the Deputy Minister.

On that occasion, a contract for the procurement of passenger trains and electric rail trains (KRL) was also signed between INKA, PT KAI (Persero) and PT KCI or KAI Commuter.

INKA President Director Eko Purwanto stated that the train procurement contract includes the procurement of 16 trainsets (12 cars per trainset), new electric train facilities (KRL), 612 units of SS new generation trains for the 2023-2026 placement program, and 10 luxury train cars.

"For KRL, the procurement is worth Rp. 3.4 trillion, while for Replacement and luxury trains are Rp. 5.5 trillion and Rp. 150 billion, respectively," said Eko.

He added that gradually they will be equipped with facilities including the equipment needed to make other needs such as machines and others.

Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Deputy Regent Sugirah hopes that the INKA workshop in Banyuwangi will create jobs and drive the local economy.

"I and the Regent of Ipuk hope that this workshop will have an impact on moving the regional economy. Opening up employment opportunities and becoming a catalyst for public transportation is not only Banyuwangi, but also nationally related to massive and capable public transportation," he said.

Meanwhile, to meet the needs of the workforce, INKA workshops in Banyuwangi collaborate with the work training center (BLK) in Banyuwangi.

INKA's training activities in Banyuwangi will build a train body from the procurement contract. Gradually, a 4 km test track will be built and other facilities.