TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Commuter Line or KRL operator PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) corporate secretary Anne Purba explained the reasons to import used trains from Japan to replace trains that will be retired starting this year.

"Ten trains will be retired in 2023 and additional 19 trains in 2024," said Anne in a press statement received by Tempo on Friday, March 3, 2023.

Anne claimed that KCI had conducted a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) by involving stakeholders from ministries, observers, and KRL user communities. "The result is, importing used trains is indeed the main choice to replace retired trains," said Anne.

Another option is to upgrade the technology on the old trains, which will require one to two years to carry out. In addition, KCI had discussed with state-owned train manufacturer PT Industry Kereta Api (PT INKA), Japan, and Spain regarding the sharing of the technology upgrade.

KCI had also signed a memorandum of understanding or MoU with PT INKA for the procurement of new locally produced trains totaling 16 trainsets worth Rp4 trillion. Back in 2022, during the signing of the MoU, it is stated that the trains will be operational in 2025-2026.

Meanwhile, used trains that will be imported will not be directly used for operations because the carriages need to be upgraded. "For example, replacing the air conditioner and the seats with goods that have a high domestic component requirement [TKDN]," Anne explained.

According to KCI's calculations, after the train’s interior and exterior has been replaced, the TKDN level of each train will be 40 percent, above the existing standard.

“At present, KAI Commuter [KCI] still has not received permission for [the import of] used trains,” Anne informed.

While waiting for the permit, KCI is determined to optimize the operational pattern so that the trains continue to serve users across Jabodetabek or Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, which reach 800,000 per day.

AMELIA RAHIMA SARI

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