The Ministry of BUMN Firmly Proposes the Import of Used KRL for This Year

KRL illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) has confirmed that it will continue to import used electric trains (KRL) from Japan. Even though the BPKP recommendation suggested the government to reconsider this plan.

This was conveyed by Deputy Minister of SOEs II. Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, in a meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, Wednesday, April 12.

Tiko, Kartika's nickname, admits that there is a buildup during rush hours when going to work and returning from work, such as 06.00 to 08.00 and 17.00 to 19.00 WIB.

Therefore, continued Tiko, the import of used KRL from Japan is needed to overcome the density of passengers during these rush hours.

“We're probably 10-12 trainsets. We are still discussing, on Monday we want to meet the Chairman of the BPKP and later there will be the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Minister of Industry, the Minister of Trade, we will only allow emergency imports. While around 10-12 train sets to meet 2023", he said in a meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, Wednesday, March 12.

Furthermore, Tiko admitted that he had held discussions with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) to discuss the results of the BPKP review. As a result, continued Tiko, fulfillment of KRL carriages will be carried out using various sources from 2023 to 2025.

"Yesterday we discussed with KAI, KCI, and INKA, we will see 2023, 2024, 2025, there are different sources. In 2025, God willing, INKA will be able to produce, we are trying to have partners and we have started submitting PMNs for investment in equipment for 2024 later. So, 2025 can actually produce", he explained.

Apart from that, said Tiko, KAI also has several old trains that can be retrofitted. "That again we calculate how much and what kind of needs. The process will take about 12 months for 2024", he said.

Tiko explained that the source of KRL imports for this year would remain the same and funding would be provided through PT KCI. However, he continued, the import permit was not permanent.

"Ordinary imports seem to exist forever, this is only temporary. After that it has been replaced, 2024 has been retrofitted, 2025 has been INKA", he explained.

Furthermore, Tiko said he would make a detailed work plan, regarding details of how many will be retrofitted in 2024, how much will be produced in 2025.

“But to fill the current gap is due to the needs of the community. We may propose non-permanent imports", he said.