Regarding Imports Of Former KRL From Japan, Minister Of SOEs: Open, As Long As The Price Is Good

SOE Minister Erick Thohir. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir ensured that he would still open an option for emergency imports of electric rail trains (KRL) from Japan. However, Erick emphasized that imports would be made if the price did not burden state finances.

"Open (an emergency import of KRL), but during its context the price is good," he said when met at Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta, Tuesday, April 18.

Even so, Erick explained that the results of an audit from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) that did not recommend the government to import used KRL from Japan would still be considered.

Currently, continued Erick, the results of the BPKP audit are being studied by the government. He said, the government is currently calculating the most appropriate options to meet the needs of KRL procurement.

Currently, there are two options that are developing, namely through importing used KRL or making new trains produced by PT INKA.

"Of course now the increase (passengers) on this train is quite high. So what is the solution? Is it import or make it yourself? Now this is being recalculated," he explained.

Furthermore, Erick explained, if the calculation results turned out that the import price of the used KRL from Japan was actually more expensive, then it was possible that imports would not be carried out.

"If we only burden it, in the sense that the addition of capacity at an expensive price earlier, we must also think again," he said.

Therefore, Erick emphasized that currently the problem of procuring KRL is still under discussion. According to him, it is necessary to find the right solution by involving many parties.

"This is what we are trying to sit down, together, to find a solution. But God willing, without blaming each other," said Erick.

Previously it was reported, Deputy Minister of BUMN II Kartika Wirjoatmodjo revealed that the government opened 10 to 12 trainsets of KRL emergency import options in 2023.

Tiko, Kartika's nickname, said that KRL imports were needed because the number of fleets was because there would be a train retiring this year and next year. Meanwhile, the number of passengers continues to grow.