Minister Of Transportation Optimistic Of Autonomous Trains At IKN Becomes A Pilot For Mass Transpostion For Other Cities

Autonomous train without rail or autonomous rail transit (ART) in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN). (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

JAKARTA - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi believes that the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) can operate well to support the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan.

In addition, Budi also admitted that he was optimistic that the first autonomous train in Indonesia in IKN would be a pilot for other cities to implement a modern, environmentally friendly mass transportation.

"We are optimistic that autonomous trains can operate well in IKN and become a model for other cities in Indonesia in implementing smart and environmentally friendly modern mass transportation," he said in an official statement, Wednesday, August 14.

Budi said the autonomous train will go through a testing phase (POC) for 60 days from August 10 to October 9, 2024. Testing is intended to better know the feasibility of autonomous train operations.

After POC, continued Budi, an evaluation will be carried out by the Directorate General of Autonomous Rails (DJKA) together with the Archipelago Capital Authority (OIKN).

Then on October 10 to December 31, 2024, the autonomous train will be exhibited to the public.

"During the showcase period, people can enjoy autonomous trains for free," he said.

Regarding the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi said that a series of autonomous trains located at IKN will function as feeders for participants of the Indonesian Independence Day ceremony. The autonomous train will operate at a cruising speed of 40 km per hour on Jalan Sumbu Kebangsaan Barat and Jalan Sumbu Kebangsaan Timur.

"The travel time for one round is 5 minutes, with a waiting time at each stop of 30 seconds. There are 4 bus stops that will stop the autonomous train, namely the Coordinating Ministry for 1st, Coordinating Ministry, Coordinating Ministry for 3rd, and Coordinating Ministry for 4," he said.

Budi said the autonomous train will operate using electric power sourced from batteries.

This is expected to be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, as well as in line with the concepts and principles of IKN as a smart, green, and sustainable city area.

Autonomous trains will charge after morning guest mobilization and before the mobilization of afternoon guests. We make sure the position of the autonomous train during charging will not interfere with the movement and the surrounding environment because it does not cause noise or noise from these facilities," he explained.