TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government issued a formal apology following Palembang light railway transit (LRT) train that stalled during its service on Sunday afternoon, August 12. It was the third incident after the train constructed by the state-owned railway manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (PT INKA) was officially operable on July 23, 2018.

“Our deepest apology to passengers of LRT for the inconvenience due to the stall,” said Transportation Ministry's director general of railways Zulfikri in a written statement, Monday, August 13.

The incident occurred when the train, which was heading to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport station from DJKA station, stalled between Jakabaring station and Polresta station. The passenger then urged to exit to the walkway and head to either both stations.

Due to the incident, some passengers were shocked by the blackout. “At first we urged to stay inside the train but all the lights are out as well as AC. So we have to exit the train,” said a passenger Ahmad Ghazali (40).

Zulfikri and his teams had conducted an initial investigation. The cause was indicated due to the electrical short circuit in the railway facility which led to the blackout and stopped its the train operation.

The government realized the blackout had occurred for many times and that Palembang LRT was one of transportation means for Asian Games athletes. “The government will immediately conduct a thorough evaluation on the train operational,” Zulfikri said.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO