TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourists who want to explore the southern region of West Java can now access the new Pangandaran Train.

West Java Deputy Governor Uu Ruzhanul Ulum, said that the train was a new year gift for the people of West Java and tourists. "This is the result of collaboration between PT Kereta Api Indonesia and the West Java provincial administration," Ruzhanul said in a written statement received by Tempo on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

The Pangandaran Train routes include Gambir – Banjar and Bandung – Banjar. Ruzhanul explained that the train is preferrable because it is affordable, modern and historic.

Pangandaran Regent Jeje Wiradinata, hoped that the Pangandaran Train can help to increase tourist visits to Pangandaran Beach, which had experienced a decrease during the new year holiday.

Jeje said that the Pangandaran Train was the right step to start the government's plan to revive the Banjar - Pangandaran railway line.

The head of the West Java Province Transportation Agency, Dedi Taufik, said that the Pangandaran Train was provided to support the establishment of the Special Economic Zone for tourism in Pangandaran. The reactivation of this train is expected to help transport goods and produce from the southern region of West Java.

Managing Director of PT. KAI Edi Sukmoro said that the Pangandaran Train also opens new access from Jakarta to Bandung, Garut and Tasikmalaya. "[Train] is helpful, not competing with other land transportation," Edi said.

AHMAD FIKRI