Ministry Of SOEs Keukeuh Proposes Imports Of Former KRL From Japan

KRL illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) is still trying to import the former electric rail (KRL) from Japan. This is because the production by PT Industri Kereta Api or Inka can only be realized in the next two years.

Special Staff to the Minister of SOEs Arya Sinulingga said that his party was continuing to find solutions for users of the Jabodetabek KRL service. Given that a number of train series belonging to KAI will retire this year.

On the other hand, continued Arya, domestic KRL production carried out by Inka has not been able to meet the needs this year. This is because Inka needs time to produce KRL and can only be realized in the next two years.

Therefore, according to Arya, the need for imports for the short term is the most likely option at this time to replace retired KRL.

"Because it will take 2 more years, while (there is) a need (for) 2023. That's why we continue to apply like that (imports)," he told reporters, Tuesday, May 23.

However, Arya did not mention that this import plan would be approved by regulators. Arya also did not comment much on the plan to import the former KRL from Japan.

However, Arya claimed to have communicated with the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) regarding the results of the audit issued by the institution.

"It's not us for regulators, it's us who play, we can't do it," said Arya.

Previously reported, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) confirmed that it would continue to import used electric rail (KRL) from Japan. Although the BPKP recommendation advised the government to reconsider this plan.

This was conveyed by Deputy Minister of BUMN II Kartika Wirjoatmodjo in a meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, Wednesday, April 12.

Tiko, Kartika's nickname, admitted that there was a buildup during peak hours when he left for work or came home from work, such as 06.00 to 08.00 and 17.00 to 19.00 WIB.

Therefore, continued Tiko, the import of used KRL from Japan is needed to overcome the density of passengers during these busy hours.

"We may have 10-12 trainsets. We are in discussion, later Monday we will meet the Chairman of the BPKP and later there will be the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Minister of Industry, the Minister of Trade, we will only allow emergency imports. Meanwhile, around 10-12 train sets to fulfill 2023, "he said in a meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, Wednesday, March 12.

Tiko also admitted that he had held discussions with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) to discuss the results of the BPKP review. As a result, continued Tiko, the fulfillment of KRL carriages will be carried out with various sources 2023-2025.