Baut Dan Cable Lintas Kereta Cepat Jakarta-Bandung Dicolong, Keamanan Wajib Diperetat

Supervision of the high-speed rail project area in the Karawang area. (ANTARA/HO-Polres Karawang)

JAKARTA - Commission V of the House of Representatives encourages PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia Cina (KCIC) assisted by law enforcement officials to tighten security along the Jakarta Bandung High Speed Rail (KCJB) following the theft of copper cables, bolts, and rail compressors.

The theft occurred in the Parungmulya Village area, Ciampel District, Karawang, West Java. The police have arrested 6 perpetrators suspected of being a gang of theft of bolts and copper cables for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project.

"If the train bolts are stolen, the effect will cause an accident. This does require total security and attention," said Deputy Chairman of Commission V DPR RI, Andi Iwan Darmawan Aras, Friday, June 9.

Commission V will ask for a direct explanation from PT KCIC. Iwan also highlighted the work system in the PT KCIC field because the theft was actually carried out by the security of the KCJB project.

"We want to know how the security is there. What kind of recruitment of workers. It must be clear. Do not let this incident happen again, because the effect is very large for the community," he continued.

Iwan said that the bolts and copper cables of the high-speed rail do have value if they are sold. Even so, he reminded that the price is not commensurate with the effects of the accident that will be caused.

"I hope everyone can realize that the theft of bolts may be considered only a small thing but it could seriously endanger the safety and lives of others. This is quite a serious problem," said Iwan.

The legislator from the South Sulawesi II electoral district asked the police to give appropriate punishment to the perpetrators. A fairly severe punishment will have a deterrent effect in the case of theft of bolts and copper cables for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train.

"So this really has to get attention, must really be given very strict sanctions in accordance with the laws and regulations," he said.

PT KCIC is known to be carrying out its commercial operation target on August 18, 2023. Commission V of the DPR encourages the KCJB operator to increase socialization to the public so as not to enter the high-speed rail area.

"Impreciate socialization about the dangers to the community when entering high-speed train crossings. Emphasize to the public not to be on the rail line, both when the train is operating and when the rail line looks deserted," explained Iwan.

Commission V also encouraged the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) to increase supervision of this high-speed rail project. Moreover, Iwan conveyed, KCJB is one of 29 National Strategic Projects (PSN) in the transportation sector targeted by the Government to be completed by 2024.

"We still have a big job to improve transportation infrastructure. Both airports, ports and trains. Problems such as the theft of these bolts should be anticipated," he said.

Iwan then invited the entire community to play an active role in maintaining security and safety around the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail line. Not only that, he also asked for public support in the development of transportation infrastructure for the sake of state development.

"We at the DPR urge the public to jointly participate in supervising the infrastructure prepared by the Government so that it can continue to run properly," he said.

"Let's jointly support infrastructure progress for the modernization of national transportation, especially mass transportation and supporting infrastructure. Of course this will have a positive impact on the people and the national economy," concluded Iwan.