Deputy Minister Of Transportation Eebut Jakarta-Surabaya High-speed Train Still Under Study Feasibility Studies

ASH (intermediate dock photo)

Deputy Minister of Transportation (Wamenhub) Suntana said that the plan for the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed rail project is currently still in the feasibility study stage.

"We are still studying again (about the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train)," he said, quoting Antara.

According to Suntana, the Ministry of Transportation is conducting a feasibility study to ensure whether this project can bring maximum benefits to the community.

Suntana emphasized that the main principle in every infrastructure project is to facilitate access to transportation for the community, as well as provide cheaper and more comfortable travel options.

He also emphasized the importance of thorough evaluation and assessment before making a decision.

"In principle, if it makes it easier and makes transportation cheap and comfortable, why not? But everything can't suddenly be decided, we have to evaluate," he said.

Nevertheless, Suntana reminded that every major project must be carefully evaluated so as not to place additional burdens on the state budget. Project studies such as high-speed trains must consider the financial impact on state finances.

He also emphasized that every major project, including the high-speed train, needs to go through various stages of study, ranging from feasibility studies to technical design documents or detailed engineering design (DED).

Through this study, the government can evaluate various important aspects, including the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact on state finances.

"I said earlier that there was an assessment, right, every project has a capacity study, there is a DED. Then we will see this and even burden the state budget or not? and others," he said.

Even so, Suntana emphasized that infrastructure projects must be based on the interests of the community and the government is committed to providing easy transportation that is beneficial to the public.

"But everything (if) is for the benefit of the community, the ease of the government community must be committed to implementing it," said the Deputy Minister of Transportation.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) revealed that the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train infrastructure plan could be a breakthrough (game changer).

"I think we will continue to study this and I will learn in more detail, but at least I see this is important, this is something that will become a game changer if it can be realized," said AHY in Jakarta, Wednesday (30/10).

According to AHY, the plan for the fast train infrastructure requires many resources and also support from various parties. However, if it can be realized later, this Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train infrastructure can provide high economic value for the community.

"But if this can once again be realized connecting Jakarta - Surabaya, for example, the trajectory used by tens or even hundreds of millions of people. I think it will become something that is not only monumental but will also provide high economic value," he said.

AHY said that he would first study the high-speed train infrastructure plan.

"I will study it, I will not convey it in detail first because this is indeed my phase to be able to better understand the problem as well as learn the targets set previously," he said.