PT KAI Launches 'Masinist Book Crossing Storm'

Photo: Doc. PT KAI

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) together with Kompas Gramedia officially launched a book entitled 'Masinis who Crossed Badai', a documentation of the leadership journey of KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo in managing KAI companies when passing a pandemic storm and accelerating the transformation of national railway services.

This book not only records the personal side of a leader, but also voices the collaborative spirit of change that makes KAI the backbone of Indonesian mobility. The launching event was held at Studio 2 Kompas TV on Friday, May 16, attended by more than 250 participants, ranging from industry stakeholders, literacy communities, to media circles.

This book is a symbol of courage in facing big challenges. We want to introduce Pak Didiek as the transformational leader who is present not only in the meeting room, but also to unite in the field with employees," said KAI Vice President Public Relations Anne Purba.

Didiek Hartantyo was appointed as President Director of KAI on May 8, 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indonesia. This book records how strategic and fast decisions must be taken amid uncertainty, with three main missions: ensuring operations continue, protecting more than 25 thousand employees, and maintaining customer confidence.

"Adaptation, transformation, and sustainability, these three pillars make KAI more relevant, resilient, and progressive in the midst of difficult times," added Anne.

The launch of this book is part of an effort to strengthen national literacy culture. Data from the 2024 Community Literacy Development Index (IPLM) shows a score of 73.52, exceeding the target of 71.4 and the achievement of the previous year (69.42). This strengthens the relevance of the book 'Masinis who Crossed Badai' as a real contribution from BUMN to increasing national literacy and character.

Through a true story of field conditions, starting from the railroad tracks, infrastructure at Balai Yasa to the station hallway, this book displays a humanist side of leadership. Didiek is described as not only as a strategic thinker, but also as a leader who directly ignites the hands of the workers who are removing oil, representing the highest appreciation for those who are at the forefront of change.

In his remarks published in the book, SOE Minister Erick Thohir welcomed this book as an important travel record in KAI's history.

The pandemic is a test of transformation that has been successfully passed. The increase in the number of services and quality is proof. The challenge going forward is to keep this transformation sustainable," said Erick.

In 2023, KAI recorded passenger services reaching 371.54 million people. Entering 2024, an average of 35 million people per month are served this mode, proving the reliability of the train as future transportation.

With the moderator Mysister Silvilona Tarigan (Kompas TV), the event presented remarks from KG Media, book launch ceremonies, to intimate interviews sessions with KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo, author Zulfikar Akbar, and VP Sustainability KG Media Wisnu Nugroho.

The event was also enlivened by stand-up comedy performances and friendly sessions that strengthened the bond between KAI, the community and the public.

The pumping and the community of writers also revived the launch spirit through articles and social media uploads. With the main narrative of Indonesian Railway Transformation, KAI is committed to expanding the reach of this book through digital campaigns, community collaboration, to coverage in mainstream media," concluded Anne.