The Electrification Of The Cikarang-Cikampek And Padalarang-Cicalengka Railways Will Be Worked On Soon

Photo: Doc. Ministry of Transportation

JAKARTA - The government plans to electrify the Cikarang-Cikampek and Padalarang-Cicalengka railway lines. The Ministry of Transportation places this program as a priority. Because, it brings broad benefits to operational efficiency and energy savings.

The move is part of the collaboration between PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) and PT PLN (Persero) regarding the electrification of the railway line. The signing was carried out by KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin and PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo.

The signing was also witnessed by the Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, the Governor of Banten Andra Soni, the Director General of Railways Allan Tandiono, and the Regional Secretary of West Java Province Herman Suryatman, along with the ranks of the Ministry of Transportation, PLN, and KAI.

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi said the Ministry of Transportation encourages the electrification of railway lines throughout Indonesia. He said this step was taken to realize modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation.

"In many developed countries, rail transportation is very much in demand by the public. Apart from being cheap, rail transportation modes can also transport in large quantities. With electrification, this cheap, massive and structured mode of transportation will be increasingly in demand," said Dudy in an official statement, Monday, October 20.

Dudy also appreciated PLN's initiative as an energy provider and KAI as a railway operator, which synergizes for national development and public services.

"The signing of this memorandum of understanding is a form of strategic collaboration in the milestone of the transformation of the national transportation system towards a clean energy mode," he said.

Dudy said several electrification projects that will be carried out include the Cikarang-Cikampek, Padalarang-Cicalengka, and the improvement of the signal system in Rangkasbitung.

"It is hoped that the expansion of the electrification of the railway line in the near future can reach three points, including the Padalarang-Cicalengka railway line, the Cikarang-Cikampek route and an increase in signaling for the Commuter Line Electric Rangkasbitung Rail Train (KRL)," he said.

Because, Dudy invites all relevant parties to follow up on this Memorandum of Understanding with a more detailed Cooperation Agreement, by loading action plans, time targets, and track mapping.

The Ministry of Transportation places this program as a priority because of its broad benefits, namely in the efficiency of operations and energy savings. We hope that this rail line electrification plan will also be followed by the development of the domestic rail industry ecosystem," said Dudy.

In addition, continued Dudy, electrification of railway lines is also carried out to create a more reliable, modern, safe, and environmentally friendly public transportation and service system.

"In the end, it will help reduce congestion and support regional economic growth," he said.

Meanwhile, KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin explained that this collaboration opens up great opportunities to expand the electricity-based rail service network in various potential areas.

Bobby said electrification is a big step in modernizing railways. Especially at this time, local train and feeder occupancy in West Java continues to increase.

In the Banten area, the growth of local and Commuter Line train users is also significant, especially at the Rangkasbitung relation. In addition, the 40 kilometer Padalarang 'Cicalengka route and the Cikampek to East Java relationship are potential areas for further electrification development," said Bobby.

Bobby also said this step was the first breakthrough in electrification of the railway line without involving the state budget, purely through a business to business (B2B) scheme between KAI and PLN. For KAI, the benefits are an improvement in quality, comfort, and speed of service. Meanwhile, for PLN, electrification expands the dominance of clean energy used in the transportation sector.

"This collaboration is a big leap that provides economic and environmental benefits for both companies and for the people of Indonesia," said Bobby.

Meanwhile, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo on the same occasion emphasized PLN's commitment to providing efficient and clean energy to support the transformation of public transportation.

"Electrification presents transportation cost efficiency, making train services cheaper and more competitive. This B2B cooperation scheme allows sustainable collaboration, with reliable electrical system support. PLN is ready to support Asta Cita towards national energy self-sufficiency," said Darmawan.